It’s the fresh burst of air you didn’t know you needed—like walking into a room you thought you knew, but now everything has shifted just enough to feel new. The world-building is so intricate, so imaginative, that it pulls you in from the first sentence. It’s not just a world, it’s a living, breathing character all its own. And, thank God, it’s not just a Tolkien-esque forest or a Game of Thrones-style kingdom. This world feels like it’s been lovingly and painstakingly crafted to stand apart—more vibrant, more flawed, more real than any fantasyland I’ve encountered in years.

Builteman has your attention as soon as you open the book! It’s no secret there is gonna be some spicy things happening. The first few minutes alone of reading this had my jaw dropping! I definitely suggest this to anyone who loves a great (and spicy….) read!

This fantastic book kicks off an unforgettable journey into a world where power, passion, and danger intertwine. Derek L. Builteman weaves an epic tale across three kingdoms on the brink of destruction, with complex characters and high stakes at every turn.
In this amazing book the political intrigue in Aflana, the grief and scandal in Brüeland, and the battle for survival in Flace all keep you hooked from beginning to end. Prince Rycardus’s dark secret, Sir Renoldus’s moral dilemmas, and Skuti’s fight for his kingdom make for a thrilling and emotional read. The romance, dark magic, and twists add layers to the plot, keeping readers on edge. This book is a must read!

The mix of romance, dark secrets, and high-stakes battles makes for an addictive read. Each plot twist and revelation kept me on edge, and the emotional depth of the characters added so much to the story. The blend of fantasy and epic romance works beautifully, adding layers to an already rich narrative. This book is a must-read for any fantasy lover looking for a story that balances adventure, intrigue, and powerful themes about destiny and sacrifice. Highly recommend!

This book is everything you want in a fantasy read: rich world-building, flawed but deeply compelling characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing at every turn. What really got me was how it balances political intrigue with intense personal struggles—like, you feel the weight of every decision the characters make. And the emotional depth? Wow. It’s not just about battles or dark magic (though there’s plenty of that, too); it’s about leadership, sacrifice, and what people will do for love or power.

If you’re into epic fantasy with a mix of drama and complexity, this is for you. I couldn’t put it down, and honestly, I can’t wait to see where this story goes next. The ending leaves you desperate for the sequel, in the best way possible!

Kingdom Rules places the reader in the harsh realities of characters facing a war-torn fantasy world. Although it didn’t bother me, I will say the prologue and other moments throughout the book could’ve benefited from a trigger warning as complex and potentially traumatizing themes are presented without warning, including sexual violence.

Despite the lack of trigger warnings, this story is still captivating with extremely interesting characters and plot lines.

Kingdom Rules is well written, detailed with a good story line, keeping my interest throughout. A story of survival and domination. However, I was immediately uncomfortable with the sex, sexual violence, and incest, which is delivered often and in vivid detail. Too often and too much for me. But it is well written so to be fair I gave it five stars. Thank you.

Loved it, great story and deep visualizations. Really enjoyed it.

If you love epic fantasy with a touch of romance and political intrigue, this book will keep you hooked. The three intertwining storylines are packed with secrets, betrayals and high stakes that build tension with every chapter. A key point to highlight is the world building in this novel, is simple fantastic, with vivid descriptions that make you feel like you’re right there in the kingdoms. I need to mention that some parts felt a little slow, but the payoff was worth it, especially in the final chapters. Perfect for fans of deep, carácter driven stories with plenty of surprises.

This is a fantastic read for fantasy lovers!! 10/10 will recommend!!

Kingdom Rules is a well-written epic fantasy novel with a complex plot and interesting characters. I felt completely immersed in the story. Well done!

This book is a thrilling and masterfully crafted fantasy adventure that will captivate lovers of intricate world-building and complex political drama. Builteman weaves together the stories of Sir Renoldus, a knight grappling with grief and disgrace; Rycardus, a cursed prince burdened by his lineage; and Skuti, a leader facing betrayal from within his family. As the Advocate’s forces press closer, alliances are tested, ancient magic is unleashed, and betrayal lurks in every shadow. The characters are richly developed, and the stakes are high, making this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of dark intrigue, magic, and the battle for honor and redemption. Prepare to be swept into a world where every decision could spell triumph or doom!

This is a great book and people should read it.

This book whisks readers away on an exhilarating journey through a world full of intrigue and a lot of moral gray areas. The action pace shoves one into vivid landscapes, well fleshed out characters, all with their own personal struggles. I was most impressed by the balance between the action and emotional depth, it isn’t all battles, it’s more about the weight of choice and the burden of leadership.
What I liked was how this book handles its complicated relationships and politicking between kingdoms. I especially liked how the author married bits of romance and dark fantasy, this seemed to make the stakes even more real. If you’re into epic stories that challenge your thoughts, well, this is the book you should read. It left me wanting more and looking forward to what’s next.

The mix of romance, dark secrets, and high-stakes battles makes for an addictive read. Each plot twist and revelation kept me on edge, and the emotional depth of the characters added so much to the story. The blend of fantasy and epic romance works beautifully, adding layers to an already rich narrative. This book is a must-read for any fantasy lover looking for a story that balances adventure, intrigue, and powerful themes about destiny and sacrifice. Highly recommend!

Rich characters, romance, and political intrigue. With immersive world-building, it’s recommended for fans of epic fantasy!

Kingdom Rules presents a dynamic mix of characters and world-building, skillfully intertwining romance, action, political intrigue, and intense rivalries. Each character is thoughtfully developed, driven by distinct motivations and challenges that deepen the story. The relationships between characters are complex, adding layers of tension that keep readers invested in their journeys. The author’s meticulous attention to detail pulls you into the kingdom and characters, making it feel as though you’re truly immersed in this vibrant world.

Overall, I found the writing style interesting that alternates between third-person narration and internal monologue, creating a unique narrative experience. I found the book to be both enjoyable and a quick read, making it perfect for those with busy schedules. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or Falling Kingdoms, I would highly recommend this book to you. With rich themes and an immersive setting, Kingdom Rules is a captivating read for anyone who loves intricate fantasy narratives filled with depth and excitement.

What I liked best about this book was the author’s creative world-building and intriguing characters, which drew me in right away. The story digs deeply into the political machinations that shape the relationships between the kingdom’s many factions, allowing for an interesting investigation of ambition and betrayal. I highly recommend this book.

“Kingdom Rules Volume 1” is an enthralling read that expertly weaves together themes of power, strategy, and the intricate tapestry of kingdom dynamics. From the very first page, the author captures your attention with vivid world-building and complex characters. The narrative delves deep into the political machinations that define the relationships between the various factions within the kingdom, making for an engaging exploration of ambition and betrayal.

The characters are well-developed, each possessing their own unique motivations and struggles, which adds depth to the overarching plot. You find yourself rooting for some while questioning the loyalties of others, showcasing the grey areas of morality that exist in the quest for power. The author’s attention to detail brings the kingdom to life, making you feel as if you’re walking through its bustling streets and hidden corners.

What sets “Kingdom Rules Volume 1” apart is its ability to balance action with thought-provoking commentary on leadership and governance. The twists and turns keep you on your toes, with cliffhangers that leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. It’s a perfect blend of intrigue, adventure, and character-driven storytelling.

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, political dramas, or simply enjoy well-crafted narratives, this book offers something for everyone. Highly recommended for readers looking to get lost in a richly imagined world with unforgettable characters. Don’t miss out on this compelling beginning to what promises to be an epic saga!

This book offers an immersive high-fantasy world filled with political intrigue, magic, and personal redemption. Though it lacks character images and may feel large in size, the captivating narrative, well-developed characters, and rich world-building more than make up for it. A must-read for fans of epic adventures!

Such a great read!

I picked up Kingdom Rules looking for a good escape, and wow, I got more than I expected! This book is an incredible mix of epic fantasy, romance, and adventure, and I was hooked from the very first chapter. As a mom, I don’t have tons of time to read, but every chance I got, I was diving back into this world. The love story between Prince Rycardus and the mysterious woman was intriguing, and I loved how the characters faced real moral dilemmas. Plus, the paranormal elements kept things exciting and unpredictable. If you’re looking for a book that combines heart-pounding action with deep emotional moments, this is the one!

Kingdom Rules is an epic fantasy that takes you to a world filled with good vs. evil, thrilling action, forbidden love affairs, family strife and betrayal, along with fantastical creatures. The characters are so distinct and well written that I could actually feel the struggle, pain and anguish that Renoldus was going through and his conflict with Princess Ingrid. There is so much in this novel that I’m glad this is the first of more to come. For lovers of epic fantasy novels, I highly recommend Kingdom Rules.

I really enjoyed this book! Fantasy Swashbuckler Adventure theme. Enjoyed the strong female roles. Plenty of Intrigue and Passion in this one. Get a copy!

Fans of the Game of Thrones series will love this epic fantasy adventure. Complete with rich world building and a plot that will keep you guessing, Kingdom Rules is a fabulous addition to any fantasy lover’s bookshelf!

Kingdom Rules surprised me in the best way possible. I’m usually more into action-heavy fantasy, but this novel blends that with epic romance and deep character development, and it totally worked for me. Renoldus’s arc was my favorite—his personal struggles and attempts to redeem himself after his scandalous affair were really compelling. The stakes felt high throughout the book, with three kingdoms teetering on the edge of collapse as the Advocate’s army marched closer. I also appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from darker themes like betrayal and grief. Definitely a strong debut for fans of epic fantasy with a bit of everything—action, magic, and plenty of twists!

Kingdom Rules embarks on a journey of excellent storytelling dropped into a world of medieval trappings. This epic fantasy delivers on everything you’d want in a book. Battles, sword fights, castle intrigue, forbidden romance, along with a taste of the supernatural and even horror. The world building is cool, the characters are even better, and I liked the inner dialog. All of these characters are intertwined by their desire to stop the evil of the Advocate. War is coming as they say. My favorite character was Sir Renoldus and his black sword. There’s something for everyone who’s a fan of epic fantasy and even those who aren’t. This was a great book, and I’m looking forward to reading about what happens next.

Just finished! Awesome book! Loved the storyline and detailed character descriptions. The mental conversations of the characters were my favorite parts. New to the genre, but reads like a Tolkien book placed in a Pirates of the Caribbean setting. Highly recommend. Can’t wait for Volume #2!

As someone who’s been reading fantasy literature for decades, Kingdom Rules by Derek L. Builteman offers a refreshing take on the genre. The world-building is rich and immersive, with political intrigue, romance, and adventure all woven together in a way that keeps you turning the pages. I was particularly drawn to the character of Prince Rycardus—his struggle with the burden of his royal lineage and the curse that haunts him added a layer of complexity that many fantasy novels miss. The stakes are high, and every choice feels like it could tip the balance of power. If you’re a fan of old-school fantasy with a modern twist, I highly recommend giving this one a read. It’s a well-crafted epic that doesn’t disappoint!

It blends rich world-building with complex, deeply relatable characters. The story draws you into a vibrant, intricately detailed universe where every aspect feels fresh, from its unique magical systems to the moral dilemmas on its character’s face. The writing is vivid and immersive, with poetic prose that elevates both epic and intimate moments, creating a perfect balance of action and introspection. This novel not only entertains but also explores deeper themes of power, choice, and morality, making it a standout for any fantasy reader seeking something truly original.

It I’m not usually a big epic fantasy reader, but this novel had me wanting to read more. It has everything a great fantasy needs; interesting and compelling characters, good vs. evil, battles and fighting, forbidden love affairs, fantasy creatures all set in an epic fantasy world. I highly recommend it.

I think the best aspect of this book was that when I finished I kept wanting more. I enjoyed the characters in the story and the different plot lines. I can’t wait to discover more about this unique world. I want to know more about the Advocate! (and Werewolves).