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 by Mark Lawrence is a dark and gripping fantasy novel that follows the ruthless and cunning Prince Jorg on his quest for power in a brutal and dangerous world.
Topics
Table of Contents
King of Thorns
Summary of key ideas
Survival and Strategy in King of Thorns
In King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, we continue to follow the journey of Jorg Ancrath, a young king who is as ruthless as he is cunning. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the earth is scarred by nuclear wars and the remnants of a highly advanced civilization are scattered across the landscape. Jorg, now eighteen, is the king of Renar, a small kingdom he conquered through sheer force and brutality.
The book begins with Jorg preparing for his marriage to Miana, a princess from a neighboring kingdom. However, the wedding is just a ruse to gather the rulers of the Hundred Kingdoms in one place. Jorg has a plan to unite them under his rule, but his intentions are far from peaceful. He wants to create a powerful alliance to defend against the impending invasion of the Dead King, a malevolent force that threatens to destroy everything in its path.
As the wedding festivities commence, Jorg takes us on a journey through his past, revealing the events that shaped him into the ruthless king he is today. We learn about his time spent with a group of outlaws, his encounters with necromancers, and his discovery of ancient technologies that grant him an edge in the brutal world he inhabits. These flashbacks provide insight into Jorg's character, showing us his vulnerabilities and the reasons behind his unyielding determination.
Confronting the Dead King
As the wedding progresses, Jorg's plans are thrown into disarray when the Dead King launches his attack. The Dead King, a powerful necromancer, raises an army of the dead and unleashes them upon the living. Jorg and his allies are forced to fight for their survival, and the battle scenes are intense and brutal, showcasing Jorg's strategic mind and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
Throughout the chaos, Jorg's character continues to evolve. He grapples with his own mortality and the weight of his responsibilities as a king. He also faces personal challenges, including the revelation of a prophecy that predicts his death at the hands of a loved one. Despite these obstacles, Jorg remains resolute, determined to defeat the Dead King and secure his place as the ruler of the Hundred Kingdoms.
The Unveiling of Secrets
As the battle against the Dead King reaches its climax, Jorg uncovers a shocking truth about the nature of the Dead King and his own connection to him. This revelation forces Jorg to make a difficult decision, one that will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Hundred Kingdoms. In the end, Jorg emerges victorious, but the cost of his victory is high, leaving him with more questions than answers.
In conclusion, King of Thorns is a gripping tale of survival, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of power. Mark Lawrence skillfully weaves together a complex narrative, blending Jorg's past and present to create a compelling portrait of a flawed yet compelling protagonist. The book ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the final installment of the trilogy, leaving readers eager to discover the fate of Jorg Ancrath and the world he inhabits.
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 story of Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless and cunning prince who seeks to claim the throne of the Broken Empire. Filled with political intrigue, dark magic, and unexpected twists, this gripping tale delves into the complexities of power and the lengths one will go to in order to secure it.
King of Thorns Review
King of Thorns (2012) delves into a post-apocalyptic world ruled by betrayal, power struggles, and dark secrets. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Through its twists and turns, the intricate plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next surprising revelation.
- Character development is complex and multifaceted, with each figure harboring hidden motives and depths that add layers of intrigue to the narrative.
- With its dark atmosphere and morally ambiguous decisions, the story captivates by challenging conventional notions of heroism and villainy.
Who should read King of Thorns?
- Readers who enjoy dark and gritty fantasy with complex characters
- Fans of morally ambiguous and anti-hero protagonists
- Those looking for a thought-provoking and unpredictable plot with twists and turns
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
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
King of Thorns FAQs
What is the main message of King of Thorns?
The main message of King of Thorns is one of betrayal, revenge, and power struggles set in a dark and gritty world.
How long does it take to read King of Thorns?
Reading King of Thorns takes several hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is King of Thorns a good book? Is it worth reading?
King of Thorns is worth reading for its complex characters, intricate plotting, and unpredictable twists that keep readers engaged.
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
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
- Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie