"King of Thorns" is the second book in Mark Lawrence's "The Broken Empire" trilogy, continuing the dark and complex story of Jorg Ancrath. Set in a brutal, medieval-inspired world, Jorg is now a young man grappling with his past and ambitions. The narrative intertwines his ruthless quest for power with flashbacks revealing his troubled childhood, highlighting the themes of revenge, identity, and the nature of leadership.
The story oscillates between two timelines, painting a vivid picture of Jorg's rise to power while exploring his inner turmoil. He faces various adversaries, both in the political arena and internally, as he struggles against his own demons. Lawrence's writing is gritty and intense, immersing readers in the harsh realities of Jorg's world, where moral ambiguity reigns.