Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
King of Thorns summary
Brief summary
King of Thorns is a gripping fantasy novel by Mark Lawrence. It follows the story of Prince Jorg as he navigates the treacherous political landscape and confronts the dark forces that threaten his kingdom.
Topics
Table of Contents
King of Thorns
Summary of key ideas
The King's Struggle
In King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, we follow the journey of the young King Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless and cunning ruler. Jorg, who is only 18 years old, has already conquered half the known world and is now fighting to keep his kingdom together. However, his rule is threatened by an impending war with the Prince of Arrow, a powerful adversary.
Jorg is a complex character, haunted by the murder of his mother and brother when he was a child. He is driven by a deep desire for revenge and a relentless thirst for power. He is willing to take any measures, including brutal violence and manipulation, to achieve his goals. Despite his questionable methods, he is a charismatic leader, and his men are fiercely loyal to him.
The Game of Thorns
As the novel progresses, we learn more about Jorg's past through a series of flashbacks. We see his transformation from a traumatized boy to a cunning and fearsome leader. We also witness his initiation into the 'Game of Thorns', a deadly political game played by the powerful rulers of the Broken Empire, where betrayal and death are common.
Amidst all this, Jorg is also dealing with personal struggles. He is in a complicated relationship with Katherine, a necromancer, and a member of his court. He is also grappling with the guilt and trauma from his past. While he tries to maintain a facade of indifference, his internal turmoil is evident.
The Dead King's Secrets
One of the most intriguing aspects of King of Thorns is the discovery of the Dead King's secrets. Jorg uncovers ancient technology and knowledge left behind by the Dead King, the original ruler of the Broken Empire. This knowledge holds the key to understanding the world's history and its future. Jorg realizes that this information could be the ultimate weapon in the upcoming war.
However, as Jorg delves deeper into the Dead King's secrets, he faces ethical and moral dilemmas. He questions the consequences of using such powerful and destructive knowledge. He also fears that his obsession with power might be leading him down a dangerous path.
The Final Showdown
The climax of the novel sees the long-anticipated battle between Jorg and the Prince of Arrow. Jorg uses the Dead King's secrets to gain a strategic advantage. The battle is brutal, and Jorg's leadership is put to the ultimate test. In the end, Jorg emerges victorious, but the cost is high. He loses friends, and his kingdom is left in ruins.
In the aftermath, Jorg is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He realizes that his relentless pursuit of power has come at a great personal cost. He also acknowledges that his rule is far from secure, and more challenges lie ahead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, King of Thorns is a gripping and dark fantasy novel that delves into the mind of a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist. Jorg Ancrath is a character driven by his past and his insatiable thirst for power. The novel is a tale of conquest, betrayal, and the high price of ambition. As Jorg's journey continues, we are left wondering if he will succumb to the darkness within him or find redemption.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is King of Thorns about?
King of Thorns is the second book in the Broken Empire series by Mark Lawrence. It follows the journey of the ruthless and cunning Prince Jorg Ancrath as he seeks to conquer the Broken Empire. Filled with dark magic, political intrigue, and gripping battles, this novel delves deep into Jorg's complex character and the brutal world he inhabits.
King of Thorns Review
King of Thorns (2012) continues Jorg Ancrath's dark journey to claim his empire. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Featuring complex characters and intricate political schemes, it offers a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- The book delves deep into themes of power, revenge, and redemption, challenging conventional notions of heroism and morality.
- With its twists, turns, and shocking revelations, the story ensures that boredom is never an option, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
Who should read King of Thorns?
Readers who enjoy dark and gritty fantasy novels
Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
Fans of unconventional storytelling and non-linear narratives
Categories with King of Thorns
Book summaries like King of Thorns
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
King of Thorns FAQs
What is the main message of King of Thorns?
In King of Thorns, power struggles and dark secrets unfold in a post-apocalyptic world.
How long does it take to read King of Thorns?
Reading time for King of Thorns varies, but Blinkist's summary can be read quickly.
Is King of Thorns a good book? Is it worth reading?
King of Thorns is captivating with intricate plots and compelling characters, making it a worthwhile read.
Who is the author of King of Thorns?
The author of King of Thorns is Mark Lawrence.
What to read after King of Thorns?
If you're wondering what to read next after King of Thorns, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
- Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
- Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
- King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- Weaveworld by Clive Barker
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
- Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
- The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa