King of Thorns (The Broken Empire Book 2) by Mark Lawrence

King of Thorns continues the journey of Jorg Ancrath as he battles to maintain his hold on the throne he claimed in Prince of Thorns. The story is told in two timelines: one set four years after Jorg took the throne, where he prepares to defend his kingdom against a massive invasion, and the other exploring the events that shaped him in those intervening years. As Jorg faces external threats from rival kings and internal struggles with his own dark past and memories, he must outmaneuver his enemies and confront the demons that haunt him. The novel explores themes of power, destiny, and the consequences of one’s choices in a world of dark magic and brutal warfare.