Blackmark (The Kingsmen Chronicles #1) - An Epic Fantasy Adventure

This book has been a delightful surprise as an epic fantasy. The story is well plotted out, and the characters act believably. Several sets of characters are developed separately, with their own histories, strengths and weaknesses developed. Some had past histories together, but at the time we are introduced to them, their lives have diverged. Other characters meet along the way, and join in the story. I really appreciated this author's ability to weave their storylines together so well.
As it is a fantasy, there is a deadly beast, secret symbols and warriors of superior skills. Add in an evil castellan that is killing the ruling family off one by one, intending to take over a castle and a kingdom. The good guys save the day by saving the new Queen from slaughter (barely) and removing her from the scene until the castellan and his lackeys have been neutralized. Book one ends with several issues needing resolved, which I would anticipate happening in Book 2, which will soon be in my library.
I received this book as a freebie, from an online book source, with no obligation to review it.

As an adventure fantasy of complexity this story takes some time to get into. Some of the complexity comes from the naming protocol similar to that in modern Middle Eastern ways and the strange terminology for ranks and races add to the learning curve. Fortunately the world building takes some time to establish, in fact it continues right through out the book and the reader is carefully led along to master familiarity with the customs and world of the Kingsmen.
Add to this various factions and multiple threads introducing the various people of note and you start to get the idea why this book requires your total focus to read and understand.
Yet it is a brilliantly conceived and executed fantasy world that will have you pondering the story and events long after you finished reading. One thing is certain, you will not forget this world of the Kingsmen easily, as you also would when considering the world of Tolkien's Hobbits.
Enjoy.

Everything about this first installation in the Kingsmen Chronicles is epic: the fabulously tortured characters, the serpentine plots, the richly detailed world, every facet of the story. I knew after the first chapter that I was reading a great book. I knew by chapter three that The Kingsmen Chronicles would become a classic if Carlson could keep it going. The story has all the intrigue of Game of Thrones mixed with the characters and emotional insight of N. K. Jemisin, along with the detail and intelligence of Sanderson.

Bottom line: If you like epic fantasy that is complex, smart, human and incredibly compelling, look no further. You won't find a better example anywhere else.

***Recieved a copy in exchange for an honest review***

A spellbinding, exciting and fast paced fantasy novel that had me hooked almost instantly. Truly did not expect to like it as much as i did.

Usually i give myself 10 days per book to review but i only needed 5 for Blackmark. It was so good that it even drew me away from another book i was reading from a favourite series.

Carlson brings us a new adult fantasy masterpiece with a well developed and complex layered world with its adventure and oh so subtle introduction to magic.
With a strong development of characters with fully integrated storylines and brilliant plot twists, Blackmark follows a group of four childhood friends in a fantasy kingdom who, through tragic events, were forced to follow separate paths that eventually, after many years, begin to draw them back together. Each character has their own story and plot that Carlson weaves together seamlessly. I love how there is still an air of mystery surrounding each character even as you get to know them throughout the story.

I love how the story moves forward with each characters individual journeys explaining past events in their own voices, with a writing style similar to that of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Overall Blackmark is an enthralling, well written fantasy with so much emotion and adventure that i am truly excited to start the next book.

"'You've seen me in the ring with fists!' Dherran bellowed, letting the rage in his hot green eyes be felt by the mob as he brandished the black-tipped spear. 'Who will be the first to see what i can do with a weapon?!'"
- This guy is my favourite character, LOVE him!

An exciting, page turning adventure. The tale about family bloodlines that go back 1000's of years. The loyalty of a family vowing to protect the King and his heirs forever. A story about loyalty and deceit. You can feel the tension of the fighting, the emotions of love between lovers and those of friends. Fantasy full of adventure, love, tension and emotions. A great read. Can't wait to read the next book.

This is a great adult (as in mature) fantasy novel, with well developed complex characters that have different motivations (sometimes conflicting with other motivating forces of the same character) and a complex layered world - you know, just like what reality is for folks who don't live in a YA world. I loved the complexities here, the great world-building with it's adventure and subtle introduction of magic. I loved the characters who were so strongly drawn. Add in excellent writing and this is a real winner. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Received as a free book, found it flowed very well. You get drawn into the characters and story plot, it leaves you wanting the answers to be found in the continueing books. This is one series I would be willing to spend the money to continue, for me that is high praise because money is very tight for my family.

A most read Epic adventure
It all commences with the wipe out of the Kingsmen and the imprisonment of the kingsmen children by orders of their own king, but several survive and this is their story while they seek revenge for what happened.
It is a wonderful book although a little bit strange in the beginning, it has very twist and turns that makes you not wanting to leave the book until it’s over.
Now I am eager to start volume 2 and see what will happen to characters, even does that you hate.

This was a great read. The author does an excelent job at worldbuilding and character developement. The story is told from the POV of various characters and it reminded me of George RR Martin. The plot developed subtly from the start and is engaging through the entire novel to its finale. Will definitely read the next one and would recomend.
-Juan

I really enjoyed this book. It was very exciting and fast-paced, with good character development. It follows the stories of childhood friends in a fantasy kingdom who are now grown up, and the story is moved forward, and mysterious past events are explained, by the different characters in their own voices (like the Game of Thrones books). I really liked seeing how the pieces of the puzzle started fitting together as the novel progressed. It was very engaging, and tough to put down!

Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson is a fantastic read. The first in a series, it reminds me of Jordan’s Wheel of Time. The chapters are marked out in different characters point of view as the story progresses. It follows the twins, Olea and Elohl, as they fight to survive and try to discover who is behind the deaths of their people. Blackmark is full of magic, intrigue and action, I heartily recommend it. I hated to put it down and read long into the night to finish.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was an amazing beginning to a series. This is a well developed world with characters that are complex and believable. The plot is steady and keeps you reading to discover what happens next. but you are never lost. This is not a quick and fluffy read. It is very indepth and detailed. It is a fantasy novel for adults and I will certainly be reading the sequels.

I have found a wonderful new series that's worthy of being compared to Game of Thrones! Lots of character development here, plot twists, a Palace with a very cool and unexpected feature. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see this made into a movie or cable series, it's a fresh and totally different world from the usual fantasy stuff out there. Very impressed with this authors work and will definitely read whatever she writes!

The beginning is fast and catches the reader's attention. Then there is a ten year or so gap. I was confused, but also absolutely driven to find out what had really happened that first night. Why had the vision gone wrong? Where had all the kingsmen gone? Why was the Queen elect in danger?

This book remebers me of Game of Throne, Harry Potter, and Eragon all mashed together, but that's where the similarities ends because this book is truly one of a kind. The characters are well developed, great world building, and an engaging story. A+ for the female characters they were strong and good too.

This is a novel for grownups. The characters are complex and compelling, and are revealed only gradually to the reader and themselves as they navigate their world. The pacing is excellent, the writing is elegant without being wordy, and the plot is fascinating.

Most often I am not interested in reading subsequent books in fantasy series, as the stories are trite or the writing is uninspiring, but this is a wonderful exception. I will be reading the next book in this series as soon as I am able.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson is an excellent story. It contains a well developed story line and characters. Great fantasy read that will leave you ready for the next book in the series, Pick this one up and you will not regret it.

I received a free copy of the book but my review is completely voluntary.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was interesting and well-written. The characters were well developed. I finished reading the book in a day and half ... I just couldn't put my tablet down.

I would definitely recommend this book.

I love the way Carlson develops her characters and builds her worlds! She draws the reader into the story from page one and it just keeps building. Full of suspense and plot twists, it's reminiscent of Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time! If you enjoyed those, you Have to read this one!!!

Compelling. Dark. Gritty and all consuming. Blackmark is the first book in the Kingsmen Chronicles. Follow a young man on his epic journey and the dark, dangerous opticals that fall in his way. This is a must read book. You do NOT want to miss out on it! Trust me. Pick it up.

A truly unique and original epic fantasy. Unfortunately as soon as I had read Blackmark I had to get and read Bloodmark. Both books are brilliantly written with a genuine subtlety to both the plot and characters. Throughout there is a journey of discovery for both reader and character alike. I have read many classic books of the science and fantasy genre including Game of Thrones. The Kingsman chronicles is easily at the top of my list (along with my other favourite the "In her name" series). Can't wait for number 3, so in the meantime must read some of JLC's other works.

I enjoyed it. Characters were cool. Some not so much. I’ll keep reading just to know what happens. There were however moments that had me rolling my eyes wondering ‘why?’ Descriptions of characters appearance were almost all the same. She used the word ‘sinew’ so many times I took notice and had to search how many...22? But other than that it’s fantasy and that’s all I really care about.

This was really the first fantasy book of this nature that I’ve read and it totally drew me in and kept me reading with absolute interest. Many plots, many characters and a series that will only get better!

Well-written with beautiful but not over-done descriptions. Gritty and emotional, you're pulled through each chapter to the end. Definitely a page-turner in the way of David Eddings, Anne Bishop, and Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Blackmark ensnares the reader from the very first page. The character development is very strong and ongoing throughout the book, with an engaging story line and plot that will keep you captivated from its opening line. I can't wait to see how the Kingsmen fair in the second book!

Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson is book one in The Kingsmen Chronicles. Blackmark starts off with gripping you from the start with an intense scene. A young Elohl is on a mission, and one he has been told that he cannot fail. He must find a certain artifact that wills aide him and his fellow Kingsmen in the situation that they have unjustly found themselves in. His journey is full of danger at every turn, only for him to find himself on the sharp edge of failure itself. Captured, he and the others who were left behind are given a choice- serve the crown or take the ax. Elohl “choses” the service. Now he has been released ten years later and goes in search of his sister, and the others who survived being taken. Inked with the Blackmark of the Kingsmen, he is called a traitor and hunted by assassins. Elohl and his sister soon find themselves deeper in danger than they could have ever imagined. As the pieces come together creating a picture that endangers many should the truth come to light.
Blackmark is the first book that I have read by Jean Lowe Carlson, and this book was truly an engaging story. The author engages you from the beginning. Answering questions that are piqued earlier in the story. The characters are well developed and engaging. I love how unique each of the characters are. They each have their unique gifts and talents that assist them in their lives and lines of work. They are not perfect and it is makes the story even more engaging. You see danger be close at hand to them with each step that they take, but more often than not they don’t see it. I like how each of the character gets a designated chapter so we are able to follow along with what is going on with them. The story builds so well like this, and I love how it comes together.
There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. The mystery, the suspense, the thrills are fantastic. I love how the characters work together, and the flashbacks that we get to help build the story and bring us up to date on what is going on in the present. I appreciate the fact that not everything goes perfectly for the characters. It makes the story so much better and more believable as a whole.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. If you are a fan of epic fantasy novels, you love George R.R. Martin and other great authors then this is the book to pick up. It will engage you and keep you page turning long into the night.

Worth the five nights short of sleep, but better to set aside a long weekend. Interesting characters and detailed settings. There are even appendices at the end with pronunciations, names, and common phrases in the various dialects.

A great read full of suspense and adventure. Jean Lowe Carlson brings the places she created to life in her beautiful almost poetic writing. Could compare this first book of the Kingsmen Chronicles to some other epic fantasy writers such as Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Patrick Rothfuss and Peter V. Brett however I do this to put readers, who might not have ever read Jean's writing, in mind of how great her epic series is and in no way to take away any of her originality! Her Alrashemni characters namely Elohl and his twin Olea with their wyrric abilities are amazing! The Alrashemni and the secret faction of this group who all bear the blackmark inkings or the red blood inkings of the mountain and five stars are staunch and loyal to their monarchs but are betrayed by the Lothren of the Khehemni but who are these people and why are they so against the Alrashemni? I love Arlen and his rabble rousing, as well as the Jenner faction of Alrashemni and could not stop reading hence have already started reading the 2nd book of the series and i highly recommend this series to all those who love political intrigues, secrets, traitors and heroes and great fighting with a dash of magic enhancement by both men and women!

A most read Epic adventure
It all commences with the wipe out of the Kingsmen and the imprisonment of the kingsmen children by orders of their own king, but several survive and this is their story while they seek revenge for what happened.
It is a wonderful book although a little bit strange in the beginning, it has very twist and turns that makes you not wanting to leave the book until it’s over.
Now I am eager to start volume 2 and see what will happen to characters, even does that you hate.

The beginning is fast and catches the reader's attention. Then there is a ten year or so gap. I was confused, but also absolutely driven to find out what had really happened that first night. Why had the vision gone wrong? Where had all the kingsmen gone? Why was the Queen elect in danger?

Blackmark by Jean Lowe Carlson is an excellent story. It contains a well developed story line and characters. Great fantasy read that will leave you ready for the next book in the series, Pick this one up and you will not regret it.

I received a free copy of the book but my review is completely voluntary.

Compelling. Dark. Gritty and all consuming. Blackmark is the first book in the Kingsmen Chronicles. Follow a young man on his epic journey and the dark, dangerous opticals that fall in his way. This is a must read book. You do NOT want to miss out on it! Trust me. Pick it up.

A truly unique and original epic fantasy. Unfortunately as soon as I had read Blackmark I had to get and read Bloodmark. Both books are brilliantly written with a genuine subtlety to both the plot and characters. Throughout there is a journey of discovery for both reader and character alike. I have read many classic books of the science and fantasy genre including Game of Thrones. The Kingsman chronicles is easily at the top of my list (along with my other favourite the "In her name" series). Can't wait for number 3, so in the meantime must read some of JLC's other works.