I would like to preface this review by stating that I really liked [b:The Eyes of the Dragon|655707|The Eyes of the Dragon|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561654146l/655707._SX50_.jpg|3083085] when I was a kid, and this is very much the intended demographic of this Stephen King novel. Looking back, I specifically recall enjoying the portrayal of King Roland as a complex father-figure, and how his communication (or lack of it) really shaped his sons’ lives. Re-reading it as an adult, however, I find there to be far more bad than good with this fantasy novel.

Specifically, a lot of this story is told in flashbacks, which results a great deal of backtracking and unnecessary repetition. Also, aside from King Roland, the rest of the cast are relatively one dimensional in nature with the good-looking people being “good” and the more slovenly individuals being either “bad” or pawns of the bad. Then there is the matter of the napkins…

This book was originally intended to be titled, The Napkins, and without giving too much away, these napkins play an integral role in the novel. Introduced by Queen Sasha (late mother of Peter and Thomas), the napkins are supposed to represent the importance of mindfulness and that royals must hold themselves to higher standard as they have numerous people relying on them. By the novel’s end, this “symbolism” is beaten to a bloody pulp, and the napkins devolve into a ridiculous plot device. All greater meaning is completely lost, and all you’re left with are napkins.

That said, as of right now I do not like this book (sorry past self) and I do not think I could recommend it. There are simply too many other, better books out there that focus on complex monarchies in fantasy worlds.