I loved this book!! I half read the e-galley and half listened to the audiobook.

I loved that the story was told from three perspectives and that they three stories slowly came together. The magic system was unique and interesting. I would love to know more so I'm really hoping that this is a series!

The beautiful cover is what originally drew me into this novel. This story follows three different POVS: Loran, Arienne, and Cain. I think at times it was a bit hard to follow as it jumped back and forth so often.

My favorite character was Arienne, as I feel like her story was the most interesting and thought out. She is escaping from a school for magic users as she discovers they are secretly being held prisoners there so that when they die their magic can be used to turn them into generators. Along the way she does run into Cain, who helps her escape.

I think this novel was very well translated and it doesn't seem like anything was lost during translation. Thank you to Netgalley, McMillan Audio, and Sung-il Kim for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

3.75⭐

I don't usually read a whole lot of epic fantasy but the cover of this book had me hooked before I even read the synopsis. It was a very interesting story. I think the translation was done well. I liked the characters, there are 3 different POV's aka 3 different main characters that all brought a unique aspect to the plot. Part of me wishes my Korean would be better so I could go out and read the original book and see if there were any differences.

Overall it's a really strong epic fantasy with dragons and a really cool magic system and some interesting characters!

The audiobook was good! I enjoyed most of the narrators.

Amazing fantasy, epic in many ways and utterly breathtaking cause I was om the edge of my seat the entire ride

Narration: The story benefited by having 3 different narrators for the 3 different pov storylines. And they all did a fantastic job!
Story: Started off with a bang and then went through an ebb and flow of excitement. There were many times I sat in my car to wait until the chapter finished because I had to know what was going to happen next! At first, I was also struggling to see how the 3 storylines were going to connect, and when they did finally connect, I was quite happy. There were a few times I became lost with the action and how a certain thing happened, and I do not know if it was me, the story, or the narration.

All in all, quite happy. The climax did feel a bit rushed, and not well explained; but judging by the cliffhanger, I am sure we will get a better explanation in book two!

Blood of the Old Kings was everything I expected from a classic epic fantasy. I was initially drawn in by the beautiful cover and the premise intrigued me as well, the world-building and magic are wonderful and unique. The characters are well-developed throughout the plot and the character growth is lovely. There are 3 main POV's throughout the book and they are all wonderfully written and draw you into each character's own struggles while they all fight for the same outcome for their kingdom. Freedom from the empire. I loved the dark aspects sprinkled throughout the book and some will pull on your heartstrings more than others but it adds a certain depth to the unforgettable story. The ending will have you screaming and wanting the next immediately.

This novel follows Loran, Cain and Arienne — three very different protagonists that unknowingly (but sometimes intentionally) dictate the future of their people. Loran seeks the power and strength of the sleeping dragon to gain freedom and a voice for her people. Cain wishes to learn the truth behind his generous friend’s death and how to avenge her. Arienne seeks a way to free herself of the academy and the ultimate sad end for sorcerers who become living batteries in death. As their stories unfold and knit together the fate of the entire Empire is at stake.

This audiobook’s cast of narrators did an excellent job. Each character had its unique voice, so it was very easy to follow along at 1.5x. The narration truly brought the novel to life with no distracting voices or overtones.

This was a very interesting novel following a few influential and dynamic characters that all serve a role in dictating the future of their people to give them a better life under the rule of the Empire but also the possibility of freedom. The greater world building is well done and adds that extra layer of epic-ness that draws the reader into the world and makes you hold on for the ride, wherever it takes us. Great character building. A just plain great novel. 5 stars.

Review based on an Advanced Audiobook provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. Thank you!

I love this fantasy world! What an intriguing way of mixing magic and technology - using the bodies of sorcerers as generators to power cities, machines of war, machines of empire - and way of fleshing out a system of magic. I want to know so much more and I'm so glad there are more books.

I was grabbed from the first page and that fantastic meeting between Loren and the dragon, setting a legacy and quest for revenge that we get to see play out as Loren learns the difference between politics, diplomacy, and taking down an empire.

Arienne is my favorite for aforementioned system of magic, but I'm so intrigued to learn more about where she'll go from here.

I feel like we didn't get as much of a handle on Cain, who exists mostly in relation to other people, but it sounds like he's in a place to come much more into his own.

All three narrators did an absolutely fantastic job of bringing all the characters to life and setting the stakes for this epic.

I love that books written in other languages are being translated to give readers a chance to enjoy brand new fantastical worlds. And I will say doubly that for this story as I was immediately sucked in from the first chapter with Loren braving all to make a blood pact with the fire dragon in the volcano. It was such an interesting world where an empire as conquered many lands through magic, but not sorcerers casting spells. Instead they are more useful to the empire as dead generators powering war machines like chariots and powered centurion armor.

The book varies from three points of view, Loren, the woman fighting to become king of her homeland to get vengeance against the empire that killed her family, Cain, a refugee living in the capital and always finding himself in sticky situations trying to find out why his friend was killed, and Arienne, a runaway sorcerer with something the empire desperately wants back. Each of those viewpoints does an excellent job of introducing the reader to how magic works, how the empire is run, and what the different people are like from various nations under the rule of the empire. I loved all three characters, the earnest of Arienne as she tries to make the right choices and make her own way into being something other than a future generator, Cain balancing between helping the rebels and working with the ministry of truth, and Loren, learning about her awesome powers and how to lead an army to save her homeland.

This was so much fun to listen to, being on the edge of my seat especially with the final battle in the end! And it does end with some unanswered questions which made me happy to learn that there will be a couple more books in the series. The three narrators in this audiobook did a phenomenal job in bringing this world to life and I can't wait for the next book! And I am positive I will be listening to this audiobook again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook to listen to and review.

3.5 ☆

kinda mixed on this one.. the magic and world building is somewhat unique but there’s something missing that kept me from fully getting invested in the story. the 3 main povs: Loran, Arianne and Caine are actually really interesting (especially Arianne) but i feel like there was a lack of attention given to their personalities individually and i needed more background on why each character was on the path that they were on. i know this book is translated from Korean so im wondering if some things got lost in translation with this new version of the story. the ending left in a place where i can’t tell if this is a standalone or the start of a series but either way, i would say i still had a good time but i expected more. also, i need to comment on how well produced the audiobook is, i always appreciate when there’s multiple narrators for the characters and the cover is beautiful!

Get ready to be plunged into a grim world where necromancy fuels imperial expansion, and the dead are never truly at rest. The lifeblood of the sorcerers is drained to feed the Empire's power. This unique magic system immediately captivates, creating an atmosphere where death is not an escape but another form of servitude. And everyone serves the Empire.

The story is told from three POVs. Arienne, a sorceress resigned to the fate that awaits all those with magic, to be a power source for the Empire. When she begins to hear the whispers of a long-dead sorcerer's voice, it empowers her to break the rules and question the destiny imposed upon her. Beneath a volcano, Loran, a widowed swordswoman, seeks out a seven-eyed dragon. This sacred guardian of her people can give her the power to fight the Empire's domination. Loran's journey of desperation and determination becomes her life of liberation and revenge. She awakens a long-forgotten power to unleash something truly spectacular. Lastly, Cain has a grounded perspective and is on a mission to uncover his mentor's murderer, which provides a murder mystery thread to the overarching political intrigue. He is pulled into a web of conspiracy threatening the Empire's foundations. These stories bridge the brutal magic that fuels the Empire and the human toll it exacts on those living within its borders.

The novel expertly intertwines these three characters' stories, all in a world on the brink of rebellion. The pacing is steady, with moments of explosive action. The plot consistently offers tension and intrigue. It also creates an atmosphere that is dark but laced with hope as each character seeks their form of freedom. Who does not love complex magic systems, morally gray heroes, and the slow burn of a rebellion? It explores grief, external struggles, and oppression, which is profoundly moving. I received an audiobook, and the narration was powerful and created characters I will not forget. It was an excellent read and is a must-read for any fantasy lover.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, Tor Books

I really wanted to love this one, but it fell short for me. The first chapter was so captivating, the dragon magic was so cool, but then…the story progression was so choppy. I felt that the character arcs moved forward way too fast, with too little opportunities for growth and development. The lack of a great “main villain” (other than the all-encompassing empire) and great side characters made it feel empty to me. This could be my own preference for character driven stories. But anytime characters did something cool or an interesting magical thing was introduced, it was hastily just skipped over. The story needed to be much longer in my opinion, to fully develop all the compelling components to lead to a satisfying end.

A fun epic fantasy romp in which a woman rebels against a steampunk(ish) empire, a student tries to escape her fate, and a young man tries to figure out who murdered his close friend. As one might expect, all three of these tales converge and in so doing the fates of everyone in the empire are put on the line. I may have been led a little astray by some of the marketing before jumping into this, but after getting over some of my confusion I was fully on board for what proved to be a great audiobook.

This was not a book that help my attention. I thought it had a very cool premise with the dead sorcerer's being a power source, but I didn't think the author was able to execute that premise properly. The story has good bones, but no body. I looked forward to the dragon. He was my favorite character. The story had its moments where I did feel engaged with the story, especially Loren's character toward the end when she is able to gain a loyal following, but it just seemed so few and far between, and I wasn't connecting to the male characte8r at all.

The narration was done very well! 5 stars to the narrators. I was only able to not DNF this one because of the fantastic narration. As a rule, I do not post 2 star reviews online, as I'd rather use my platforms for books that I enjoy.

(4.0 Stars)

This was everything I like about Fantasy stories. It was strange, but not in a bad way. It was unfamiliar to me, but that kept me interested. The Magic System is unique and a big part of how the story unfolds.

The world building is my least favorite part... not because it wasn't consistent, but because I had a hard time visualizing it. Some of the environmental elements just didn't come together in my mind, but it was really a minor criticism.

The characters are vivid and distinct. The pace was good, and the length was perfect.

This book would be good for anyone who likes magic-based fantasy with strong female characters, engaging storytelling, and quests that start and complete in the same book.The Narration of the audiobook is very good too.

This is a Fantasy, not a Romantasy. And while it isn't YA, it could be enjoyed by a younger audience as well.

Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim is an epic fantasy that blends adventure, magic, and political intrigue across a vividly built world. The story revolves around three main characters: Loran, a fierce warrior fueled by revenge for her family’s murder; Arienne, a sorcerer trapped in a terrifying fate as a necromantic power source; and Cain, a street-savvy investigator searching for his friend’s killer. Their stories unfold in different parts of the world, offering a multi-POV experience that feels like piecing together a puzzle, with dragons, magic-fueled tech, and rich lore throughout.

The narration, delivered by Eunice Wong, Major Curda, and Suzy Jackson, enhances the experience, with each voice perfectly capturing the essence of their respective character. The multiple narrators help make the distinct storylines feel more immersive and engaging, pulling you deeper into the plot. While the pacing picks up, especially in intense scenes, the emotional connection to the characters and the unfolding world keeps you hooked. If you're into intricate world-building, a unique magic system, and layered, unpredictable characters, this audiobook won’t disappoint

Maybe I need to stop listening to epic fantasy via audiobooks, because I can guarantee I would have liked this better as a physical book. There was feedback in the male narrator’s mic, but not the female narrator’s, so that was distracting. There was potential here, but it didn’t live up to it

If you are someone who comes into the fantasy genre for fast past action sequences and grand battle scenes, turn around now. That's not to say there aren't intense and action filled moments. What gives this story its richness is that it spends a bulk of its energy filing out the world, the consequences, and the more internal struggles. It is more about intrigue, politics, the lines of morality and humanity, and the effect not only of institutions in control but time on the narratives we tell.

Despite much of the book being build up I was continually invested. It starts out on the side of the genre more familiar to classic readers. What better way than to throw one of the more uniquely described dragons I've seen in a while? It's followed up by slowly showing us one of the most varied and unique magic users I've seen in a while. and, you know, the spirits that come to posses and overtake things and people. This all keys into hints of tech-fantasty of this world that folds in inventions fueled with sorcery instead of yielded.

It does not stop being original with the fantastical. It twists the tropes of chosen and reluctant hero in some of the most naturally evolving ways I've seen in a while. One chooses to be king because another sees that it is more than what they aim for in their own goal of vengeance. There is one character that is thrown into a situation that means they carry on a legacy of someone dear to them, but that they are uniquely qualified to do. A third has power thrust on them only to reveal that their own talents just needed to be unlocked. All three don't grow into the roles--they mold the role into what comes naturally to them. It is the reversal of position and power corruption.

IN the moments of tension there is never a moment where any of the characters' fates feel entirely secure. There are times when I legitimately feared for the lives of characters that in other books I would shrug off as having plot armor. I can also say I loved how much of a factor the common folk have an active role in this book while still dealing with those of higher social consequence. No one class of people even acts as a monolith.

This book goes deep, it goes hard, and yet somehow still manages to feel cozy as the personalities of each of the characters is completely endearing even when they are not always faced with the most pleasant actions. So while I can't say it is a book I would recommend for everyone, it absolutely tickled the part of me that loves natural and deep cultural and world building. In fact, I wouldn't have even minded if it had gone deeper.

I also love that this book has a completely solid ending. It may be intended to be a series, but it is one of the few times of late where an epilogue not only felt right but settled he core issues of limbo for our three leads. I would be entirely satisfied to have this as a standalone even if I would adore to see more of the world.

Sometimes just telling people you have a job works out. Even if it happens to be royalty. But hey, gotta survive (and get vengeance) when your family is killed, your friend is killed, or you are going to get turned into a battery. In "Blood of the Old Kings" by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur, our cast will clash with their oppressors and decide what they can live with.

The Empire has enslaved magic to fuel their machines. The gods and spirits are dead or sealed, fighting back is a sucker's bet. Loran doesn't have anything to lose though, she seeks out the dragon who worked with the fallen king of her country and strikes a bargain. One eye for a sword and a bit of power to chase her destiny. Cain isn't having a good day. His friend was killed and now he is getting beaten while trying to find out what happened, unfortunately asking questions gets you noticed. Arienne is trying to not become a battery. Unfortunately her best shot out is listening to a voice in her head that has zero chill.

Narrated by Eunice Wong, Major Curda, and Suzy Jackson. The different tone for the various story subplots lands.

Reasons to read:
-Got 3 different povs with almost different genre stories going on but still intertwined
-I'd trade an eye for a sweet sword
-F it, we ripping stuff apart with our hands
-Calling out politicking bs
-Got invested in a pov and then it would cut away, means I was wrapped up in each one

Cons:
-Some of the magic might take a minute to lock into place

This book ticked all the boxes for me. I am a sucker for a strong female lead, and this one had two! I also loved the third POV, as he was a really great character. Arienne is brave and daring, Cain is empathetic and kind, and Loran is just a bad ass. I mean - a woman described as being in her late 30s and a mother who goes absolutely ballistic and becomes a hero to her people? Sign me up. The worldbuilding was great in the sense that I really felt for the people being oppressed by the empire, and I wanted the 3 mains to succeed in their individual missions. I am excited to see how Cain's story will progress in further installments, as it definitely diverged while the other two converged. The intrigue was definitely palpable, as I was desperate to know what would become of everyone. I highly recommend this book to fantasy readers, and I am excited to read the next installment when it comes out.