Crown Prince

Book One of New Blood (New Blood Saga)

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
351 Pages
Reviewed on 02/08/2024
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Author Biography

W.D. Kilpack III, MPC, PSMC, is an award-winning and critically acclaimed author, with works appearing in print, online, radio and televisionHis first three novels, Crown Prince, Order of Light, and Demon Seed each received the International Firebird Book Award and the The BookFest Award, while Crown Prince won the International Impact Book Award. Demon Seed and Rilari were both Editor's Choice on BooksShelf and, Order of Light and Rilari were Top Picks. He also received Honorable Mention from L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest for his novella, Pale Face. In total, his books have received 23 awards. He has been editor and/or publisher of 19 news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is a partner in Safe Harbor Films, LLC, where he does their screenwriting and oversees their marketing efforts.

He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Westminster University. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.

For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is an accomplished cook and is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, consult and educate.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Crown Prince is a work of fiction penned by author W.D. Kilpack III in the fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and is the opening novel of the New Blood Saga. It is best suited to adult readers owing to some scenes of a sexual nature and some fantasy conflict. Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, holds the fate of mankind in his hands. With his ancient role rooted in his Firstblood, he possesses the Sight to see what is to come. Tasked with protecting the newborn Crown Prince Vikari, Natharr navigates a world shadowed by ill omens and ancient prophecies.

Author W.D. Kilpack III presents an atmospheric and immersive journey into a richly crafted fantasy world, balancing a strong character-led adventure with a wider web of plots, setting up a highly complex and enjoyable fantasy saga to follow. There’s a clear flair for character, dialogue, and attitude from the start, with Natharr's intense presence affecting all who encounter him and making for some really dynamic clashes. The weightiness of his responsibilities and the depth of the world-building immediately gripped my attention, and, as the story unfolded, the way the characters’ attitudes and actions were shaped by the realism of the worldbuilding was totally compelling. This book delivers on every promise of pulse-pounding adventure -- thanks to the swift pacing of the plot, coupled with dark storytelling, strong descriptive skills, and captivating character development that balances emotion with duty well. Overall, I would certainly recommend Crown Prince as an incredible opener to an exciting new fantasy series, and I’m all the more eager to continue exploring this fantastical realm.