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Cover of The Briar King

The Briar King

Greg Keyes (2003)

SubgenreEpic Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Chunky (400-600))
SeriesThe Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone #1
Setting
CSM age16+
Goodreads3.75
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Content levels

ViolenceStrong
Sexual contentMild
LanguageModerate

Trigger warnings

ViolenceDeathBlood

Positive tags

AdventureQuestFound FamilyMentor Figure

Hero archetypes

Knight / WarriorCommoner / Peasant

Heroine archetypes

Rebellious HeroineRoyalty / Princess

Protagonist archetypes

Multiple POVsChosen One

Tropes

Ancient Evil ReturnsMultiple POVsProphecyReluctant HeroComing of AgeQuestMedieval EuropeanSecondary WorldPolitical IntrigueFellowship

Themes

Destiny vs Free WillComing of AgePower and CorruptionAncient EvilSacrificeClass StrugglePolitical Intrigue

Synopsis

Two millennia after humans were freed from the tyranny of slavery, the Briar King, a legendary portent of death, reawakens, and the fate of the kingdom lies in the hands of the king's woodsman, a rebellious girl, and a new-made knight.

Is The Briar King appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This epic fantasy contains strong violence and battle sequences typical of adult fantasy, along with mature themes of death, tyranny, and political intrigue. Language and some mild sexual content present.

What to know going in

This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, violence, and blood.

Who'll love this

Teens will be drawn to the multiple character perspectives, epic quest structure, and the awakening of an ancient evil that threatens the kingdom.

Tags

Dark FantasyQuest FantasyMultiple POV Epic