Why You Should Read It

What Is Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood?

The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk.
Will his Sight be true? Or will his impure Firstblood prove the ruin of us all? | Receive Chapter 1 Free

Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. He adheres to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa.

Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. He spends decades planning how to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created, back in the time when the Olde Gods still walked.

Crown Prince is “one of the most brilliant fantasy novels that
I have ever had the pleasure of reading!” — Red Headed Book Lover

Plot Overview

Natharr had Seen the coming tragedy long before it happened: the birth of the crown prince, the fall of the royal house, the inevitability of the usurper’s victory. For generations, the Guardians of Maarihk — first his father, then Natharr — prepared for when prophecy and duty would collide. When the siege came, he would steal away with the infant Crown Prince Vikari and a wet nurse, hide them beyond the usurper’s reach, and bleed the tyrant’s strength until the rightful heir could return. It was a clean plan, a necessary one, duty above all. Life rarely honors plans. Natharr stayed with the child longer than intended — seven years of a normal life — something he had never had — and growing attachment. In those seven years without the Guardian of Maarihk, the world shifted into a shape Sight had never revealed.

“Crown Prince is intriguing, grand, strange, and shadowed by ill-omens.
It is Shakespearean.”— Tom Mock, author of The Long Nights

World Building

Crown Prince and the New Blood Saga deliver award-winning world building with amazing descriptions, complex characters, and intriguing supernatural elements. Valdiss is an immersive fantasy world filled with memorable characters. The novel incorporates supernatural elements in a mythological atmosphere. 

“There's nothing to dislike about this novel.” — Online Book Club

Reviews of Crown Prince

• "I've been won over by Crown Prince! The world is deeply conceived. The prose is well crafted. The solemn, almost-inhuman Guardian/seer standing guard during a deadly siege as the young queen gives birth makes for a hell of a great start! That weightiness to his character was a key point of interest to me that comes across right from the opening pages, plunging right into the thick of it for a wonderful change of pace. Crown Prince is intriguing, grand, strange, and shadowed by ill-omens. It is Shakespearean." — Tom Mock, author of The Long Nights

• "A very good book ... [and] a very great read! Natharr is very much tested as he strives to save the life of newborn Crown Prince Vikari. This book reads wonderfully, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know the story. It is full of pulse-pounding adventure and also features great, extensive world-building! Definitely a recommend from me!” — Philip Chase, Ph.D., medievalist and author of The Way of Edan

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince is an epic fantasy that opens with a siege, a royal birth, and a man burdened by prophecy. This book is built around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, whose gift of Sight lets him glimpse danger before it arrives but never frees him from pain. One of the book’s best ideas is captured in Natharr’s own words: 'Most often, I See paths, not destinations.' That line gets at the whole shape of the novel. After the violent collapse of the old order, it turns into something more intimate: a survival story, a guardianship story, and eventually a family story. Natharr, Darshelle, and the infant Vikari spend so much time together that the book earns its emotional weight scene by scene. There’s tenderness in the roughness. Natharr can be curt, stubborn, and unintentionally funny, which keeps him from feeling like a stock heroic figure. Darshelle gives the book warmth ... their dynamic keeps the story human even when the setting gets mythic. The worldbuilding is ... not just there for decoration ... with old gods, bloodlines, political memory, and a living sense of history, [in] the primal forest ... the tone shifts into something stranger and more enchanted. The woodfolk, the Atomie Ulla, the ancient symbols, and the odd beauty of daily life in hiding all give the novel a distinct texture. I especially liked that the fantasy elements feel tied to culture and belief. Even when Natharr is doing something as absurdly practical as putting a baby in a saddlebag pouch, the book still feels rooted in its own world. [L]ater ... [it] becomes a story about what happens to a kingdom when its moral center is gone. Natharr’s return to the outside world has real force because the book has already [shown] what he was trying to preserve. The ruined villages, the fear hanging over ordinary people, and his growing realization that Maarihk has been reshaped in his absence give ... a haunted feeling. Crown Prince is a serious, character-driven fantasy novel that cares as much about protection, loyalty, and inheritance as it does about battles and magic. It’s at its best when it lets emotional commitment and political danger press against each other, and Natharr carries that beautifully from start to finish. This first installment feels substantial on its own, but it ... leaves behind the kind of momentum that makes continuing the series feel less like homework and more like the natural next step." — Literary Titan

• 5/5 Stars — "Kilpack presents an atmospheric and immersive journey into a richly crafted fantasy world, balancing a strong character-led adventure with a wider web of plots. A clear flair for character, dialogue, and attitude from the start. Natharr’s intense presence affect[s] all who encounter him. 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 — coupled with dark storytelling, strong descriptive skills, and captivating character development that balances emotion with duty well. I recommend Crown Prince." — K.C. Finn, USA Today best-selling author of The Book of Shade

• 5/5 Stars — Crown Prince "is one of the best fantasies I’ve read ... loaded with rich world-building and steeped in magic ... character-driven and emotionally complex. Natharr flees with the king’s newborn heir and the wet nurse, strong-willed Darshelle ... to keep the child safe until he is old enough to claim the throne. Some great battle[s], including difficult decisions for Natharr [who] must hide all traces of his flight. I love stories that put characters between a rock and a hard place. His relationship with Darshelle and the prince [depict] a man struggling between duty and ... a family he thought [im]possible. A fascinating world, peppered with wonderfully unique creatures with distinct personalities — some helpful, some deadly. All nuanced, multilayered, and thoroughly believable [setting] the stage for ... when duty requires Natharr to leave the prince and Darshelle behind. Highly recommended!” — D. Wallace Peach, author of The Shattered Sea Duology

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“Crown Prince is the kind of book that stays in your heart
long after you finish it.” — Samantha Bibliophile

Reviews of Crown Prince Continued

• 5/5 Stars — "The literary creator in his act of creationism. Such is W. D. Kilpack III in his intriguing invention of Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood. Intermingling real world matters of both realm and state, and legendary phenomena of ancient times, Kilpack builds a mythical epic of worlds within worlds, all suspended in time and universal fantastical realism. He has crafted an imaginative tale perfect for lovers of mysticism, magic, ancient battles, romance, and supernatural fantasy. Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, is one of the Firstbborn [with] abilities like the gift of prophetic Sight, and he [is] charged with protecting and preparing the newly born prince of the realm, Vikari, until he is ready to take his rightful place as heir to his father’s throne. Set in a richly imagined and described enigmatic world, the story explores themes of family, love, friendship, destiny, time, and power. Adventure and action keep the reader quickly turning the pages ... deliver[ing] a strong narrative of structure, character development, and world building, which smoothly paves the way for the next book in the series, Order Of Light, which I cannot wait to read. Crown Prince is a masterful example of original storytelling, a phenomenal literary creation!" — K.L. Davidson, author of Ten Thousand Fields (British Columbia, Canada)

• 5/5 Stars — "A beautifully crafted world you won’t want to leave! An absolutely delightful read that enticed me from the very first pages with the remarkable finesse used to describe its world. The author successfully builds a vibrant universe, but the true magic lies in the naturalness and elegance with which the characters live their lives right before our eyes. It’s not just a story; it’s an atmosphere you completely lose yourself in. ​It is a truly fascinating world, orchestrated with such attention to detail that the moment I closed the book, I already felt a deep longing for its characters. ​I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a refined literary escape. I can hardly wait to follow the continuation of this journey in the next book of the series!" — Lia Christie

• 4/4 Stars — "Crown Prince stands out with amazing descriptions, complex characters, and intriguing supernatural elements. Book one in the New Blood [Saga], the storyline is incredibly promising. The author has a flair for setting the scene and creating memorable characters. I absolutely loved the descriptive prowess of this author, the thing I enjoyed most about the book ... W. D. Kilpack III genuinely takes the time to help us immerse in the fantasy world, no matter if he describes a battle scene, a peaceful moment, or a mythological creature like a Hamadryad or a Manticore, he always manages to conjure the best images in our minds. The author does a great job of incorporating the supernatural elements in a general atmosphere of myth and legend ... there was nothing I disliked about this novel. I am rating Crown Prince 4 out of 4 stars ... fans of sword-and-sorcery fantasy will definitely find this novel a delightful read ... the series has the potential to acquire epic dimensions ... I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Order of Light." — OnlineBookClub.org

• 5/5 Stars — "I absolutely love Crown Prince! It is a very dark epic-fantasy story following a very intimate cast of characters. The way things unfold, you’re thrown into the thick of the action right from the beginning that sinks you in right. The way events unfold to the way characters come together, you cannot help but keep flipping the pages. By the end, I was so invested, I felt so intimate with these characters, that I had to find out what happens next, so I immediately ordered book two, Order of Light! It’s such a good story! It’s such a dark-but-good story, with very good character work, you get really close with these characters, and you can’t help but want to know what happens next!" — Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada)

• 5/5 Stars — With the maps and appendix, "the characters' names, titles, and the names of fascinating places all conjured up by the mind of W. D. Kilpack III [helped] me better understand the intricate facets of this novel. Creating worlds and characters is not a easy, but the author did an excellent job. Crown Prince has everything you want: intertwining sword scenes, the battles of a war, kings, queens, knights, magic, fairies, love, sex, great beasts, and unthinkable dangers thatNatharr has to endure. Kilpack puts you in the middle as Vikari starts to grow and learn. So does Natharr for he begins to love the child as his own. Kilpack's ability to crystally describe a scene [was] like I was taking part in a meal or a sword fight. Crown Prince flowed smoothly and any fan of fantasy will rejoice [and] if you have never read a fantasy novel (like me), this one will get you hooked into the genre." — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia)

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince is one of the most brilliant fantasy novels that I have ever had the pleasure of reading and a book I am now obsessed with! Crown Prince is an incredible, thrilling and memorable story that will take its readers on a journey like no other. Crown Prince captivated me from the first page thanks to the book's sharp literature and strong opening ... [the author] is not only a phenomenal writer for his flawless ability to capture his reader's attention, but he is also a great writer for his descriptive powers and characterization of characters which will hook his readers! Crown Prince is a sensational, thrilling and addictive story that will thrill you as well as entertain you." — RedHeadedBookLover.com

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince by W.D. Kilpack III is an impressive opening installment to the New Blood saga. The book stands out due to its rich, layered world-building and the complex lore surrounding the Guardian. Natharr is a great protagonist. His struggle between sacred duty, prophecy, and his growing emotional attachment to the young prince makes for a compelling narrative arc. The detailed setting is engrossing, and the payoff is a beautifully paced adventure full of political intrigue, magic, and emotional stakes. It is a strong start to a series that any high fantasy reader will appreciate. Highly immersive epic fantasy with great depth and complex characters!" — Kevin Gell, Author of The Dastardly Mr. Kyte

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince is a compelling fantasy novel that weaves a rich tapestry of high-stakes drama, intricate worldbuilding, and character-driven conflict. The protagonist, Natharr, is the Guardian of Maarihk, tasked with protecting humanity and ensuring the survival of the titular Crown Prince Vikari, whose destiny ties deeply to the fate of their world. The narrative explores themes of prophecy, duty, and resilience. Kilpack’s skillful worldbuilding and his ability to create an immersive atmosphere kept me hooked. The story starts with a gripping sequence of the birth of the Crown Prince amidst peril, setting the tone for a saga full of tension and grandeur. Natharr’s stoic demeanor and his sacred duty as a seer add depth to his character, making him a compelling focus for the tale. [Its] pacing and descriptive prose held my attention, drawing me into its intricate plots and the struggles of its characters. Crown Prince offers a fascinating journey and sets the stage for an engaging saga!" — Jasveer Singh Dangi, author of The Hunter Genesis

• 5/5 Butterflies — "Crown Prince was such a delight to read! Normally, we don't see the child growing up ... or really get a chance to get attached to whoever raised him. This author took that trope, shook it up and turned it into something amazing! We get to see the heir as a baby, to see him grow up [and] develop that close bond a son has with his father. It's a really beautiful thing ... normally glazed over in this type of story ... but you get to see how strong their bond is. I'm so grateful! Something else I really enjoyed is how well Darshelle and Natharr played off each other. Often, they have deep conversations that involve a culture clash, where they may not agree with each other's perspective, but they are willing to try to understand. I [also] loved this author's world building, especially the magic forest and all the interesting creatures that live in it! The village of the cat-people was such a fun scene and so interesting showing the cat-people society and how it was different. It was really fun! If you don't grab yourself a copy of Crown Prince, you're doing yourself a huge disservice! It's a wonderful story and such a fun read!" — Madam Crystal Butterfly

• 5/5 Stars — "Kilpack delivers a stunning blow to the belief that Indie-Fantasy is worth any less that its salt. Crown Prince is a well-crafted epic with unique plot mechanisms, well-developed and believable characters, and a world grounded in the visceral and the real. I could not recommend this series any higher!" — Clay Vermulm, co-host of Sinister Soup Podcast

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince is a powerful and emotional fantasy story about Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, who carries the great burden of protecting mankind. Natharr has the gift of Sight the ability to see what is yet to come but it is also a heavy curse. Through his visions, he knows that danger is coming for the newborn Crown Prince, Vikari. To protect him, Natharr risks everything and takes the baby and his wet nurse into hiding. From that moment, the story becomes a journey of love, sacrifice, and destiny. What makes this book special is how deeply it connects emotion with fantasy. Natharr is not just a hero he is human, even with all his powers. He feels pain, doubt, and care. The way he raises the young prince shows a side of fatherly love that is very rare to see in fantasy stories. I liked how the author didn't just focus on magic and wars but also on the bond between two souls brought together by fate. The relationship between Natharr and Vikari is the heart of the story, and it makes the reader feel close to them both. The world-building in this book is excellent. W.D. Kilpack III has created a rich and detailed setting filled with kingdoms, legends, and old gods. Every chapter opens new layers of the story, and the pace keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The author's writing style is clear and easy to follow, even for someone who doesn't usually read fantasy. The book has a perfect mix of emotion, mystery, and action. By the end, it leaves you curious about what will happen next in the series. I would strongly recommend Crown Prince to readers who love stories about courage, destiny, and deep human emotions. Even if you are new to fantasy, this book will surprise you with how real the characters feel. It is not just a story about a guardian and a prince it is about faith, hope, and the sacrifices made for love. Crown Prince is the kind of book that stays in your heart long after you finish it." — Samantha Bibliophile

• 5/5 Stars — Crown Prince is "intricate and fascinating, a great start for the first book in this series. Yes, book 2 is already out and waiting on my Kindle. The world map and appendix give a great look into the indie fantasy world that Kilpack created ... I loved the simmering chemistry between Natharr and Darshelle as they travel deep into the magical forest of Nathaar’s childhood with the baby heir to the throne of the overthrown king. A baby Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk, had taken an oath to protect and prepare this newborn child, Crown Prince Vikari, for his destiny to take his rightful place as ruler when the time came…Fantasy at its finest, you will keep turning the pages as I did, as Natharr and Darshelle, the baby’s wet nurse, travel through the magical forest, not knowing who to trust to find a safe place to stay with the baby and heir." — Carol Ann Taylor, author of A Homemade Christmas

• 5/5 Stars — "I loved Crown Prince! I was happily caught off-guard by the energetic, intimate dynamics between the characters, especially Darshelle and Natharr. My immersion into the world and its characters and creatures left me positively impressed and enchanted. I'm looking forward to reading Order of Light!" — Nicolas Lemieux, author of Seven Drifts

• 5/5 Stars — "Crown Prince by W. D. Killpack III is a compelling, fast-paced read with strong characters and an engaging plot. The world-building is immersive, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. A great choice for readers who enjoy intrigue and character-driven fantasy!" — Dakota Jay Hays, author of The GOAT of the GOATs

• 5/5 Stars — "A fantastic world of swords and magic! A very strong start to the series! W.D. Kilpack III does know how to draw a reader into a world of swords and magic. I found myself unable to put the book down, diving deeper into the fantastic world. I can say, that I am a fan of his work and will soon be reading Order of Light, the second book from the New Blood [Saga]." — BooksShelf.com

• 5/5 Stars — Crown Prince is "a great mix of fantasy and action and adventure! It kept me on my toes the whole time and I was completely hooked! The world building in this book is amazing. I could read 20 books in this world. The fight scenes and characters are amazing. They pull you in so deeply ... that I didn't want to stop reading way past when I should have!" — Jay.Rae.Reads

• 5/5 Stars — Crown Prince illustrates "the burden of knowledge and the responsibilities involved in being able to see the future. Natharr is a great hero: think Aragorn/Alanon/Teddy Roosevelt. He bears the burden of being Guardian of Maarihk with dignity but, at the same time, is human and has flaws, like having a bit of a temper. Darshelle is conflicted and a walking contradiction, being proud and strong, while still insecure and flawed. I love the world, where magic is more subtle, while there is another element that reminded me of Greek mythology, because the gods are real and took direct action in history. There is some violence, which seems to fit well within the framework of this world where epic fantasy and realism are intertwined." — Critic, Salt Lake City, UT

• 5/5 Stars — Crown Prince is "a fantastic tale filled with all things beautiful, dark, and magical! Filled with adventure and drama! The author's world is absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the story!" — Cherumanalil (Bangalore, India)

• 4/4 Stars — Crown Prince is "an adventure full of thrilling moments [that] hook you right from page one. Each page has a new secret to unfold. This book made a mark on my mind and now I cam curious to read the other books in the series. I loved reading it and have rated it four stars. Books like these deserve the hype!" — Read With Emilee

• 5/5 Stars — "From the start you are drawn into a world of fantasy. With each page, you want more. The author gives the feel you are the character fighting for your life and those you defend. A great read, with the power to keep you from putting it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in something new, with a twist and feel of a classic fantasy!" — Tom Carr, author of Talking to Yourself in the Dark

• 4/4 Stars — Crown Prince is "an absolutely brilliant fantasy read ... [Kilpack created] a master introduction. The plot building was incredible. The journey sucks you in so much that you immediately want to carry on with the series. I'll definitely complete this series." — Twilight Reader (Wales)

• 4/4 Stars — "If you're looking for something new with a a twist of classic fantasy, this is for you. It amazes me that someone can create an entire world from scratch with everything that this involes. Character building is wonderful and the descriptions of what happens are good. It is very detailed, so you get immersed in the story. Lots of things happen in this book. [Crown Prince] is a good and strong start for a new series!" — June.Reads (London, England)

• 4/4 Stars — Crown Prince is "a lovely fantasy. Great read! Great characters! Writing style amazing! I loved this world. A new author I discovered and hope to read more from this author in the future!" — Rhianny DD Morris (South Wales, Australia)

• 4.7/5 Stars — Crown Prince "transported me into a world where life-and-death situations were commonplace and everyone had a cause to fight for! The distinction between the Firstborn and the Aa was fascinating [and] really got me hooked! The characters are fantastic, descriptions of battles draw in you and there's a shock in every chapter! I love fantasy books and I'll add this to my pile of highly recommended sagas!" — Books with Gina (England)

• 4.5/5 Stars — Crown Prince is like "watching a movie. The author has narrated ... in a very fluent and visual way. It is an adventurous and twisted novel that will always keep the reader wanting more. Every page is a new unfolding and a new mystery. The plot is exquisite and emphasizes important values like willpower, determination, and truth. A captivating read [especially] those in search of something abnormally smart!" — Reads.Nancy

• 4/5 Stars — "Kilpack is a great storyteller who brings his world to life with vivid action scenes and believable magic systems. Natharr's Sight creates fascinating tension — seeing possible futures doesn't make decisions easier, it makes them harder. The way past duties and responsibilities constrain their choices adds real depth to the character. The swords and sorcery, myths and legends all feel authentic and well-crafted. The world-building is detailed without overwhelming the story. By the end, I was ready to dive into book two, Order of Light. Bottom Line: If you enjoy traditional epic fantasy, this is worth your time. Give it a few chapters to hook you. Kilpack's storytelling skills and rich world make this a strong series opener. Recommended for readers who love epic fantasy with complex magic systems and morally complicated heroes." — Amy S. Hamilton, host of "24 Authors in 12 Hours" videocast

• 4/5 Stars — "A fantastic read! What a grand story in Crown Prince. I am very impressed with the writing and storytelling. Kilpack does a great job of building a world filled with princes, pasts that dictate the future. Kilpack details the scenes, filled with action, and brings the creatures to life! Crown Prince is filled with swords and sorcery, magic, myths and legends, that really bring it as believable. This author is a great storyteller. The story brings the reader on a superb journey. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings?" — Amy's Bookshelf

• 4/5 Stars — "This book is a great introduction to what promises to be a great series. The fantastical creatures in here are described with such detail my mind could see them as if they were pictures, I loved it, they were so creative and also a little terrifying. Natharr and Darshelle are equally great and frustrating together but you can't stop yourself because they are exciting. I can't wait to read what happens next in their story even though the ending was a cliffhanger. Great read!" — Tutsie Kativhu (Zimbabwe, Africa)

• "Once I got into [Crown Prince], I struggled to put it down! The world Kilpack has created is so detailed and imaginative you can't help but be drawn in. This book is a fantasy that give you war, knights, romance and hidden dangers. It covers it all! As the first in the series, it sets the scene brilliantly ... I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books and fairytales!" — Kat Books Teas Cakes (UK)

• "I had the pleasure of reading Crown Prince and Kilpack — he makes maps, folks! — emphasizes detail. The characters are living real lives, even though it's a fantasy. It was well done! He built his world with great care and precision." — Ken Weene, Ph.D., co-host of the Let's Talk It Over videocast