What do you think?
Rate this book
To Kill a King #1
Dragon's Dawn
For nineteen years, I have carved myself into a dutiful son, a courtier of unimpeachable wit, and a genuine delight at a tea party. Now that my success in society has planted me in the path of Mikhail Vasiliev, it’s clear I’d have been better off keeping my head down.
Prince Mikhail is the second son of a traitor. Third in line to the throne, he has a reputation for violence, debauchery, and being a thorn in the side of his cousin, King Dmitri. That is, until the king decides to get him out of the way—by marrying him off.
To me.
Suddenly prince of a brutal, frozen land, I have no choice but to spy on my father’s behalf. From the morning of our wedding, my beastly husband and I have been at odds, but if I cannot win him over, I’ll find myself in the jaws of his colossal red dragon.
By the time I realize there is more between us than hostility and mistrust, it is too late. The die has been cast, the knife thrust, and our private battle is set to topple the whole kingdom.
Beauty gets tied to a real beast in this MM high fantasy romance, featuring: the cutest companion mink to ever bite the hand of a prince, two reluctant husbands who hate each other everywhere but between the sheets, and a heap load of court intrigue to ensure things go perfectly wrong for our murderhimbo and his slinky courtier beau.
Prince Mikhail is the second son of a traitor. Third in line to the throne, he has a reputation for violence, debauchery, and being a thorn in the side of his cousin, King Dmitri. That is, until the king decides to get him out of the way—by marrying him off.
To me.
Suddenly prince of a brutal, frozen land, I have no choice but to spy on my father’s behalf. From the morning of our wedding, my beastly husband and I have been at odds, but if I cannot win him over, I’ll find myself in the jaws of his colossal red dragon.
By the time I realize there is more between us than hostility and mistrust, it is too late. The die has been cast, the knife thrust, and our private battle is set to topple the whole kingdom.
Beauty gets tied to a real beast in this MM high fantasy romance, featuring: the cutest companion mink to ever bite the hand of a prince, two reluctant husbands who hate each other everywhere but between the sheets, and a heap load of court intrigue to ensure things go perfectly wrong for our murderhimbo and his slinky courtier beau.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2023
230 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 3, 2024
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ “Who did this to you?”
✅ Soul-bonded animals (and dragons!)
✅ Medium age gap (10 years)
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Smut (MM)
✅(🆗) Characters
✅(🆗) Plot
✅(🆗) Romance
(🆗) Russia inspired
Genya's life is turned upside down when he finds out that his father agreed to marry him off to the King's violent cousin. Misha has a reputation for being a brute, brash, and uncouth, and he couldn't be more different than Genya. Poor Genya finds himself in a difficult position, as his new husband is suspected to be in the middle of a rebellion plot. At the same time, Misha doesn't know if he can trust his new young husband, or if he was sent by his cousin, the King, to spy on Misha and report his every move.
I adored the concept of the characters having soul-bonded animals, and I want to see more of it in the next book. I am also very curious about the blood magic, and a little disappointed that we didn’t see more of it. Especially considering that Misha’s sister is a blood witch.
The fact that Genya was vain and so focused on his appearance showed that he was younger, less mature, and less involved in the more important things happening around him, but after a while, it seemed like his whole personality revolved solely around the fact that he was pretty. If he didn’t have the time to brush his hair and didn’t look nice, it was as if he lost all his use and confidence in his capacity. He is supposed to be a successful courtier, but we don’t really get to see this side of him. Sure, he spends time at court, but he doesn’t particularly shine during his time there. I was hoping for some court intrigue here!
There is something wrong with the King, and it annoys me that no one noticed it, or that no one acted on it if they did notice. He is blank and seems at a loss as to what’s happening around him, and there are several mentions of blood magic throughout the book. Am I the only one suspecting that someone is controlling the King? It was made so obvious that his behavior was abnormal, yet nobody talked about it or suspected foul play.
The romance was not bad, but I was expecting more. I was hoping for a hate-to-love romance with more angst, but it fell a little flat in the end. There was a serious lack of communication at first, to the point where it got annoying. I don’t mind miscommunication tropes but in small doses only. There would have been no plot for half of the book if it wasn’t for their constant miscommunication or lack of communication. After a while, Genya decided to take matters into his hands, but it was mostly him fumbling to explain to Misha how he felt, and Misha not knowing how to respond, so Genya was left trying to guess at Misha’s thoughts and the reasons behind his mood swings.
Those two are most definitely using sex as a coping mechanism for their dysfunctional relationship, but even the smut was not that amazing. It wasn’t bad, but it was nothing that impressive either. It became repetitive after a while; they would have an issue, try to talk it out, fail, and have sex instead.
I was hoping for a fantasy story with blood magic, bonded creatures, court intrigue, and tension between members of the ruling family when the country is on the brink of a revolution, but instead, it was a lot of insecurities, miscommunication, misinterpretation, and sex as a way to deal with a weak relationship.
That being said, there is potential. The ideas are there, and the structure is good, so I will read the next book and hope that the plot will be more elaborate and the characters more layered.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
✅ “Who did this to you?”
✅ Soul-bonded animals (and dragons!)
✅ Medium age gap (10 years)
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Smut (MM)
✅(🆗) Characters
✅(🆗) Plot
✅(🆗) Romance
(🆗) Russia inspired
Genya's life is turned upside down when he finds out that his father agreed to marry him off to the King's violent cousin. Misha has a reputation for being a brute, brash, and uncouth, and he couldn't be more different than Genya. Poor Genya finds himself in a difficult position, as his new husband is suspected to be in the middle of a rebellion plot. At the same time, Misha doesn't know if he can trust his new young husband, or if he was sent by his cousin, the King, to spy on Misha and report his every move.
I adored the concept of the characters having soul-bonded animals, and I want to see more of it in the next book. I am also very curious about the blood magic, and a little disappointed that we didn’t see more of it. Especially considering that Misha’s sister is a blood witch.
The fact that Genya was vain and so focused on his appearance showed that he was younger, less mature, and less involved in the more important things happening around him, but after a while, it seemed like his whole personality revolved solely around the fact that he was pretty. If he didn’t have the time to brush his hair and didn’t look nice, it was as if he lost all his use and confidence in his capacity. He is supposed to be a successful courtier, but we don’t really get to see this side of him. Sure, he spends time at court, but he doesn’t particularly shine during his time there. I was hoping for some court intrigue here!
There is something wrong with the King, and it annoys me that no one noticed it, or that no one acted on it if they did notice. He is blank and seems at a loss as to what’s happening around him, and there are several mentions of blood magic throughout the book. Am I the only one suspecting that someone is controlling the King? It was made so obvious that his behavior was abnormal, yet nobody talked about it or suspected foul play.
The romance was not bad, but I was expecting more. I was hoping for a hate-to-love romance with more angst, but it fell a little flat in the end. There was a serious lack of communication at first, to the point where it got annoying. I don’t mind miscommunication tropes but in small doses only. There would have been no plot for half of the book if it wasn’t for their constant miscommunication or lack of communication. After a while, Genya decided to take matters into his hands, but it was mostly him fumbling to explain to Misha how he felt, and Misha not knowing how to respond, so Genya was left trying to guess at Misha’s thoughts and the reasons behind his mood swings.
Those two are most definitely using sex as a coping mechanism for their dysfunctional relationship, but even the smut was not that amazing. It wasn’t bad, but it was nothing that impressive either. It became repetitive after a while; they would have an issue, try to talk it out, fail, and have sex instead.
I was hoping for a fantasy story with blood magic, bonded creatures, court intrigue, and tension between members of the ruling family when the country is on the brink of a revolution, but instead, it was a lot of insecurities, miscommunication, misinterpretation, and sex as a way to deal with a weak relationship.
That being said, there is potential. The ideas are there, and the structure is good, so I will read the next book and hope that the plot will be more elaborate and the characters more layered.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
August 28, 2023
This was bad. 🤭🤭
I mean... There is an interesting world here, it has potential, but the main characters were both dumb as fuck! One was 19 years old, so I could forgive him, but the dragon guy? Ridiculous.
They fought for the stupidest thing, they didn't speak, they just fought and then at half the book it turned into a telenovela. Gurrrrl, nop! This is stupid. 🤡
I mean... There is an interesting world here, it has potential, but the main characters were both dumb as fuck! One was 19 years old, so I could forgive him, but the dragon guy? Ridiculous.
They fought for the stupidest thing, they didn't speak, they just fought and then at half the book it turned into a telenovela. Gurrrrl, nop! This is stupid. 🤡
August 26, 2023
2.5
Do I have to add anything to Teeny's review? No, everything's said there. Neither Genya nor Misha live up to their reputation. Genya's supposed to be a courtier of unimpeachable wit but all I see is a young guy raised by his mother as a sheltered princess and a genuine delight at a tea party but who's helpless outside of a tea party scenario. At least he has the excuse of his youth and spoiled upbringing but what's Misha's reasoning for all those misunderstanding, for being so easily offended and for not talking even at that moment Genya eventually showed some balls and explained himself? I expected a fantasy story about bonded beasts and blood magic, about a difficult ceasefire in the ruling family where everyone could be the next victim one way or the other, about machinations at the brink of a civil war while 2 guys who couldn't be more different, survive the political battle field because they find strength in each other. What I got was an abundance of speechlessness, insecurities and misinterpretations and a lot of fluffy sex as the only common language for both of them. The world building, the political situation and the magic would have made an interesting story but in the end it's a sweet communication issues romance disguised as a fantasy.
Do I have to add anything to Teeny's review? No, everything's said there. Neither Genya nor Misha live up to their reputation. Genya's supposed to be a courtier of unimpeachable wit but all I see is a young guy raised by his mother as a sheltered princess and a genuine delight at a tea party but who's helpless outside of a tea party scenario. At least he has the excuse of his youth and spoiled upbringing but what's Misha's reasoning for all those misunderstanding, for being so easily offended and for not talking even at that moment Genya eventually showed some balls and explained himself? I expected a fantasy story about bonded beasts and blood magic, about a difficult ceasefire in the ruling family where everyone could be the next victim one way or the other, about machinations at the brink of a civil war while 2 guys who couldn't be more different, survive the political battle field because they find strength in each other. What I got was an abundance of speechlessness, insecurities and misinterpretations and a lot of fluffy sex as the only common language for both of them. The world building, the political situation and the magic would have made an interesting story but in the end it's a sweet communication issues romance disguised as a fantasy.
August 17, 2023
I loved this dragon filled family drama saga romance
This is an absolutely cracking opener for Sam and Fawkes' new fantasy series.
It's a little darker than their previous ones have been but oh boy does it deliver on all fronts.
The fantasy element has at its heart a dangerous world that feels a kinship with the Mongolian tribes of Genghis Khan, these lands are harsh and unforgiving, their rulers doubly so.
Throw in powerful magic which is rooted in the power of blood, and a soul bounding tradition that sees the dragons partnered with the Royal Family and you have all the necessary background to pop an arranged marriage into.
Evgeny is a child of the court, brought up to be decorative and to bring advantage to his family, it's something of a surprise to find himself promised to the King's cousin, the red dragon rider Mikhail.
With secret plots, backstabbing relatives, a king who suffers from mental distress and a difference of opinion on how their marriage should progress, Genya and Misha stumble their way into a relationship.
There's plenty of trouble on the way, these two are like oil on water but as they learn to work together, the implications of something rotten at the centre of the court leave them determined to make theirs a true partnership and not just one filled by lustful encounters.
I adored how each of these men found their own value in what they could add to their marriage, how they worked through all the bickering and fighting to see they could be stronger together.
They're scorching hot between the sheets, but they both have a lot of hurts to overcome. This is by no means an easy journey but it never becomes bogged down in overly dramatic ways.
With glimpses of what might be coming in the future, the authors still give this pair all the attention they need to reach a happier place at the book's close.
There's plenty still to come though and I'm very much looking forward to Misha's older brother next.
This is an absolutely cracking opener for Sam and Fawkes' new fantasy series.
It's a little darker than their previous ones have been but oh boy does it deliver on all fronts.
The fantasy element has at its heart a dangerous world that feels a kinship with the Mongolian tribes of Genghis Khan, these lands are harsh and unforgiving, their rulers doubly so.
Throw in powerful magic which is rooted in the power of blood, and a soul bounding tradition that sees the dragons partnered with the Royal Family and you have all the necessary background to pop an arranged marriage into.
Evgeny is a child of the court, brought up to be decorative and to bring advantage to his family, it's something of a surprise to find himself promised to the King's cousin, the red dragon rider Mikhail.
With secret plots, backstabbing relatives, a king who suffers from mental distress and a difference of opinion on how their marriage should progress, Genya and Misha stumble their way into a relationship.
There's plenty of trouble on the way, these two are like oil on water but as they learn to work together, the implications of something rotten at the centre of the court leave them determined to make theirs a true partnership and not just one filled by lustful encounters.
I adored how each of these men found their own value in what they could add to their marriage, how they worked through all the bickering and fighting to see they could be stronger together.
They're scorching hot between the sheets, but they both have a lot of hurts to overcome. This is by no means an easy journey but it never becomes bogged down in overly dramatic ways.
With glimpses of what might be coming in the future, the authors still give this pair all the attention they need to reach a happier place at the book's close.
There's plenty still to come though and I'm very much looking forward to Misha's older brother next.
August 19, 2023
While Dragon's Dawn was definitely darker than these authors usual fare, I didn't find it particularly dark considering some of the stuff I read. There were elements I probably should not have found funny/amusing that I most certainly did (re: dead bodies and belated wedding presents) eh hem. And while it did take a minute for these two to get out of their own way, I quite enjoyed it. Also, the story has dragons and the cutest little mink.
August 20, 2023
DNF ~45%
Like so many of this author duo's works, there's some really promising bones, but the execution is lacking. The world here was interesting, and I liked the characters (and side characters) well enough, as well as the premise itself, but the nuance and dynamics felt all wrong. Not nearly enough bite and grit for the enemies to lovers concept, and the sexual attraction stuff felt really forced and lacking in any kind of built or satisfying subtlety. I wanted more from this.
Like so many of this author duo's works, there's some really promising bones, but the execution is lacking. The world here was interesting, and I liked the characters (and side characters) well enough, as well as the premise itself, but the nuance and dynamics felt all wrong. Not nearly enough bite and grit for the enemies to lovers concept, and the sexual attraction stuff felt really forced and lacking in any kind of built or satisfying subtlety. I wanted more from this.
June 21, 2024
I just really wanted to slap everybody in this book
August 17, 2023
"Dragon's Dawn" was freaking delicious.
It was fun and hilariously bonkers at times, dark, thrilling and quietly (and murderously) romantic; I enjoyed it so damn much.
This first installment in Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes' most recent series is quite different from their previous works together; it's decidedly more violent and dark (even though it's not as dark as some of the stuff in the genre, heed the trigger warnings if needed!) and I freaking adored it for it. It's also politically dense, twisty and full of court intrigues and backstabbing royals, and the plot, even though it's fairly simple and straight-forward, as is the world-building, kept me hooked from the start.
Genya and Misha's story starts with an unwanted arranged marriage (one of the SUPERIOR tropes), and it's packed with action, betrayals and miscommunication from the very start: yes, there's a lot of miscommunication, but for once I found the fact that neither one of them is capable of having an adult conversation about feelings and wants and thoughts, hilarious. They're both murderous, emotionally stunted idiots, and I loved that for them. Talk about a well-suited couple, heh?
Their relationship is also BRIMMING with sexual tension from the very start; their mutual attraction is immediate and explosive, and so damn fun to witness. Their intimate scenes in the bedroom, the only place where they're actually on the same page and their communication skills seem to function, are absolutely, deliciously dirty and steamy, with light D/s undertones and tons of dirty talk.
So yes, their relationship was addictive: I loved following them on their long (and torturous) road to a HEA, and I loved them as individual characters as well, although I still wanted to kick them both many, many times.
The side-characters were as explosive as the two leads, and I seriously cannot wait to see more of the backstabbing, murderous Vasiliev royals and to see of few of them fall in (or capitulate to) love.
I wholly recommend this book! I'm so excited for book two.
TWs/CWs: violence, domestic abuse (not between the MCs).
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
It was fun and hilariously bonkers at times, dark, thrilling and quietly (and murderously) romantic; I enjoyed it so damn much.
This first installment in Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes' most recent series is quite different from their previous works together; it's decidedly more violent and dark (even though it's not as dark as some of the stuff in the genre, heed the trigger warnings if needed!) and I freaking adored it for it. It's also politically dense, twisty and full of court intrigues and backstabbing royals, and the plot, even though it's fairly simple and straight-forward, as is the world-building, kept me hooked from the start.
Genya and Misha's story starts with an unwanted arranged marriage (one of the SUPERIOR tropes), and it's packed with action, betrayals and miscommunication from the very start: yes, there's a lot of miscommunication, but for once I found the fact that neither one of them is capable of having an adult conversation about feelings and wants and thoughts, hilarious. They're both murderous, emotionally stunted idiots, and I loved that for them. Talk about a well-suited couple, heh?
Their relationship is also BRIMMING with sexual tension from the very start; their mutual attraction is immediate and explosive, and so damn fun to witness. Their intimate scenes in the bedroom, the only place where they're actually on the same page and their communication skills seem to function, are absolutely, deliciously dirty and steamy, with light D/s undertones and tons of dirty talk.
So yes, their relationship was addictive: I loved following them on their long (and torturous) road to a HEA, and I loved them as individual characters as well, although I still wanted to kick them both many, many times.
The side-characters were as explosive as the two leads, and I seriously cannot wait to see more of the backstabbing, murderous Vasiliev royals and to see of few of them fall in (or capitulate to) love.
I wholly recommend this book! I'm so excited for book two.
TWs/CWs: violence, domestic abuse (not between the MCs).
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2024
Why do they like each other?
Why is Misha a male lead?
Why doesn’t Genya have a life outside of his marriage?
Why do I have to suffer?
All these things will not be answered through this book
Why is Misha a male lead?
Why doesn’t Genya have a life outside of his marriage?
Why do I have to suffer?
All these things will not be answered through this book
October 29, 2024
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Dragon’s Dawn
🖤🐉I loved it! 🐉🖤
Genya and Misha's story is hard-fought, but what relationship isn’t when it starts out with an arranged marriage?
This story is full of drama and miscommunication, and usually, that is my H—E—L—L. But I actually loved it in this book. It was spicy in a way I wasn’t expecting, not just the sexual tension but the banter as well.
What is that saying, "young, dumb, and full of … " lol
This was that, and I loved it.
The narration was perfect for the story and the characters.
I feel like this was a first for me with Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes and I am so here for it!
Dragon’s Dawn
🖤🐉I loved it! 🐉🖤
Genya and Misha's story is hard-fought, but what relationship isn’t when it starts out with an arranged marriage?
This story is full of drama and miscommunication, and usually, that is my H—E—L—L. But I actually loved it in this book. It was spicy in a way I wasn’t expecting, not just the sexual tension but the banter as well.
What is that saying, "young, dumb, and full of … " lol
This was that, and I loved it.
The narration was perfect for the story and the characters.
I feel like this was a first for me with Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes and I am so here for it!
November 9, 2025
I'd round this up to 4 stars because I like the authors so much and the world itself was really interesting, but I found myself disappointed in the two main characters more often than not. I got super annoyed at the sheer number of miscommunications or frankly no communication in this story. So much of Genya and Misha's problems would have been solved in a snap if they'd just opened their mouths and talked to each other.
Genya was ok, he's young so some of his mistakes and weakness can be given a pass, but we're told he's such a jewel at court and yet I never really saw a glimpse of it. He's immature and felt out of place in pretty much every situation. I kept waiting for him to have his moment to really shine, but he really was never more than an ornament to Misha. Misha was the more interesting character, all broody and tortured. His family may be part of the royal line, but his cousin killing his father to ascend the throne has made his and his siblings place precarious. He doesn't want the throne, but that's a hard thing to convince others of when the king is brutal to his people. He didn't want to be saddled with a husband, especially one that's clearly been set up to spy on him and report back to the king. But there's no way he can say no either.
In the rare moment that these two actually talked to each other I liked them. I just wanted to smack them most of the book as they'd just storm off and brood or retreat to the bedroom and hide from the world every time a roadblock or misunderstanding came between them. I found myself more intrigued by the other characters in the story and look forward to reading more about Misha's brother and his story, as well as his cousin the king.
Genya was ok, he's young so some of his mistakes and weakness can be given a pass, but we're told he's such a jewel at court and yet I never really saw a glimpse of it. He's immature and felt out of place in pretty much every situation. I kept waiting for him to have his moment to really shine, but he really was never more than an ornament to Misha. Misha was the more interesting character, all broody and tortured. His family may be part of the royal line, but his cousin killing his father to ascend the throne has made his and his siblings place precarious. He doesn't want the throne, but that's a hard thing to convince others of when the king is brutal to his people. He didn't want to be saddled with a husband, especially one that's clearly been set up to spy on him and report back to the king. But there's no way he can say no either.
In the rare moment that these two actually talked to each other I liked them. I just wanted to smack them most of the book as they'd just storm off and brood or retreat to the bedroom and hide from the world every time a roadblock or misunderstanding came between them. I found myself more intrigued by the other characters in the story and look forward to reading more about Misha's brother and his story, as well as his cousin the king.
November 27, 2023
alright folks i spend a LOT of my time in the KU gay romantasy trenches and i gotta say, this one slaps. i've read too many arranged marriage stories where there's instalove, but i really appreciated that the MCs here really did clash in a lot of realistic ways before finally falling for each other. kudos to the authors for that!
September 17, 2023
I really liked this!
Although the relationship drama was the “misunderstanding“ trope where they never talk to each other but assume, I really liked the MC’s and was invested in them working things out. There’s some danger and scheming going on but the relationships between all the characters are central.
Although the relationship drama was the “misunderstanding“ trope where they never talk to each other but assume, I really liked the MC’s and was invested in them working things out. There’s some danger and scheming going on but the relationships between all the characters are central.
August 18, 2023
It is very hard to read the book when the characters share your last name *sigh* 🫠
Dummer than a box of rocks meets dumber than a box of rocks, they fuck, don’t communicate at all, assume all kinds of shit about each other…. aaaaaaasnd this train wreck is not fun at all.
At the very least the story could have tried to be something a bit more than a good ole’ overused cliche-y “THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING” TM. Once that got resolved the book followed your standard bodice-ripper trope with a mix of sex and syrupy-sweet cringy dialog lines, which intermingled with too lengthy internal monologues.
So-called court intrigues had intricacy and subtlety of a sledge hammer 😵💫
The whole book could be summed up in one quote “All you need to do is stay so pretty and wait for me to get home. There’s no reason to trouble yourself.”
Nope.
P.S. ryazhenka is not a fucking desert, if authors chooses to pilfer russian words instead of creating their own, they can at least use those words correctly 😑
P.S. just when I thought this book can not get any more stupid and shallow… it did. Downgrading to one star, OMG, I read mass-market romance novels much better than this nonsense.
And finally, I am pretty sure one’s reaction to stabbing someone to death would not be immediately wanting to fuck, while still covered in blood. Unless one is a serial killer, of course. But what do I know 🤷♀️
In the end the dumb and the dumber did not even attempt to reconcile their differences. Everything was “magically” solved with a killing of a assassin, conveniently thrown on the path of our protagonist ms by oh-so-generous generous authors.
“My husband. Who had killed a man to save my life. Yes. This was going to work, this marriage.” Apparently a little bit of murder is an excellent remedy for marital issues? Who knew 🤯
Dummer than a box of rocks meets dumber than a box of rocks, they fuck, don’t communicate at all, assume all kinds of shit about each other…. aaaaaaasnd this train wreck is not fun at all.
At the very least the story could have tried to be something a bit more than a good ole’ overused cliche-y “THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING” TM. Once that got resolved the book followed your standard bodice-ripper trope with a mix of sex and syrupy-sweet cringy dialog lines, which intermingled with too lengthy internal monologues.
So-called court intrigues had intricacy and subtlety of a sledge hammer 😵💫
The whole book could be summed up in one quote “All you need to do is stay so pretty and wait for me to get home. There’s no reason to trouble yourself.”
Nope.
P.S. ryazhenka is not a fucking desert, if authors chooses to pilfer russian words instead of creating their own, they can at least use those words correctly 😑
P.S. just when I thought this book can not get any more stupid and shallow… it did. Downgrading to one star, OMG, I read mass-market romance novels much better than this nonsense.
And finally, I am pretty sure one’s reaction to stabbing someone to death would not be immediately wanting to fuck, while still covered in blood. Unless one is a serial killer, of course. But what do I know 🤷♀️
In the end the dumb and the dumber did not even attempt to reconcile their differences. Everything was “magically” solved with a killing of a assassin, conveniently thrown on the path of our protagonist ms by oh-so-generous generous authors.
“My husband. Who had killed a man to save my life. Yes. This was going to work, this marriage.” Apparently a little bit of murder is an excellent remedy for marital issues? Who knew 🤯
August 31, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Dragon’s Dawn is the first book in the To Kill a King series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes and I really loved this one. The front matter describes the story as featuring a “murderhimbo and his vicious mink husband” and that is pretty much all I needed to get me to grab the book. The authors have a way with fantasy and creating interesting worlds and this is no exception. We jump right into the intrigue and machinations of the Vasiliev court, and the conflict between King Dmitri and his cousin, Misha.
I found the world building to be well done, as well. I particularly liked the idea of the “soul animals” who are bound to their humans. Most of the Vasilievs are bound to dragons, which makes them incredibly powerful, while Genya is bound to a mink.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Dragon’s Dawn is the first book in the To Kill a King series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes and I really loved this one. The front matter describes the story as featuring a “murderhimbo and his vicious mink husband” and that is pretty much all I needed to get me to grab the book. The authors have a way with fantasy and creating interesting worlds and this is no exception. We jump right into the intrigue and machinations of the Vasiliev court, and the conflict between King Dmitri and his cousin, Misha.
I found the world building to be well done, as well. I particularly liked the idea of the “soul animals” who are bound to their humans. Most of the Vasilievs are bound to dragons, which makes them incredibly powerful, while Genya is bound to a mink.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2023
Dragon Fire
Ack, can I live in this world?! Dragons, magic, betrayal, mystery, and did I mention dragons? We’ve only just begun unraveling all the secrets that this land holds and already I want to immerse myself and never leave.
“Perfect. How was he so completely, impossibly, wantonly perfect?” Let’s talk about Misha and Genya, or perhaps talk is the wrong word, as these two stubborn, recalcitrant, obstinate, contrary, well, you get the idea, men took me on a wild, steamy ride that I wholly fell in love with, but ahem, talking is not what they excel at, and what mountains of fun we have watching them…fight (and other words beginning with that letter) their way to their love. I’m all in with this cast as they had me feeling the gamut of emotions, some I’m still feeling, as I zoomed my way through this book. I must know it all, and I’m not afraid to find a dragon of my own to blast my way into the heart of this fantastic world.
Ack, can I live in this world?! Dragons, magic, betrayal, mystery, and did I mention dragons? We’ve only just begun unraveling all the secrets that this land holds and already I want to immerse myself and never leave.
“Perfect. How was he so completely, impossibly, wantonly perfect?” Let’s talk about Misha and Genya, or perhaps talk is the wrong word, as these two stubborn, recalcitrant, obstinate, contrary, well, you get the idea, men took me on a wild, steamy ride that I wholly fell in love with, but ahem, talking is not what they excel at, and what mountains of fun we have watching them…fight (and other words beginning with that letter) their way to their love. I’m all in with this cast as they had me feeling the gamut of emotions, some I’m still feeling, as I zoomed my way through this book. I must know it all, and I’m not afraid to find a dragon of my own to blast my way into the heart of this fantastic world.
April 2, 2024
The drama and miscommunications were very entertaining for the first half of the book, but I feel like it got a bit much and wore out its welcome during the second half.
I also wish the two MCs had eventually talked it all out properly but I didn't have the impression that that really happened satisfyingly (particularly the brothel thing was never addressed properly). Some groveling would have been lovely.
Very tropey, very toxic, but also entertaining, if a bit stale in the last third or so.
I also wish the two MCs had eventually talked it all out properly but I didn't have the impression that that really happened satisfyingly (particularly the brothel thing was never addressed properly). Some groveling would have been lovely.
Very tropey, very toxic, but also entertaining, if a bit stale in the last third or so.
April 19, 2024
I’m really hoping that the next 2 books are this good!
August 7, 2024
Thank god there was a Dramatis personae because I was very confused in the start.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the couple, the plot and the worlbuilding.
GIVE ME A DRAGON!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the couple, the plot and the worlbuilding.
GIVE ME A DRAGON!
September 2, 2023
problematic aspects outweigh any interesting ones
Rating: 2🌈
Upon completion, I’ve found that there’s a few interesting things about the book and some really problematic aspects of the story that make it less compelling reading.
Let’s start with the world building. Half of the information and history or perhaps less, is included here. And that arrives at the end of the story. Which means the reader and actually the characters are operating on incomplete knowledge and assumptions.
We can assume the world is based on arranged marriages that has nothing to do with affection. The people here are bonded to animals. When that started and why ? Don’t know, no history. We get zero information about how each being acquired it’s bonded animal. Only that the type of animal is indicative of status. Dragon high, I would imagine mouse low, or something. Blood has something to do with it but what is not specified.
So immediately, some of the most important and intriguing elements are missing. This type of choice continues throughout the book. Even worse is that when some of the missing pieces are hinted at, as in many children tragically die because the father has forced them to bond with animals they can’t control, do we get more? No. It’s dropped completely and not brought back up.
Instead the reader is dumped into a politically charged situation that we won’t be given any time to “hear about “ or process the various family members of Genys, the MC who’s to be married off the the man bonded to a dragon, Prince Mikhail Vasiliev. The royal family is the Vasilievs and there’s a whole Russian themed world going on here with dachas and other Russian elements, but it’s haphazard at best. Russian names, objects, but Kings not Czars. Should have just gone with it.
We get no sense of who Genys is before he’s married and actually not much of one after. He’s a very young 19 years old, who’s been protected by a strong mother. Genys is bonded to a mink, Grusha. Mink cute , no magic. But his character traits are all over the map. He’s an innocent but he’s not. Socially adept but not. He’s a sexual person but he’s a young 19 who’s been protected by his mother and out of his element. The authors did such a weak job of creating Genys that it’s hard to establish a connection with him.
Now another thing about this aspect of the universe, there’s no magic . The main one seems to be the one where you and the animal are one in a bonded sort of way here. So Genys gets a cute pet basically and Mikhail/Misha gets a dragon to ride if the dragon is amenable and not a jerk. But if something happens to the animal, it happens to the person too, a fact acquired later in the story. So it’s a narrative tool primarily for the plot for book 2. So they are one and the same but they aren’t the same.
Please define the elements when it’s this important to your story, authors.
Is that substance enough in the form it’s in to make this element a huge aspect of the book? Not here it’s not. It’s just missing too much foundation.
Both authors reach wide when going for a wider arc and plot line but they focus more on book 2 than on the story that’s laying the foundation for the series and events that follow. How do I know this? They include the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this story. SMH. Incredibly frustrating to see those events that should have been folded in here in some manner.
That’s like saying, if you are running a race, “ok I’m going to have to move sections of it around, let me get back to you about the map. “
And no I didn’t even like the romance, not that there was any, or relationship ( not much of that either) between the two main characters. No chemistry, no communication, zero respect. But they then immediately say I love you. Yes , it’s one of those.
The more I think about it, the problematic area far outweigh the few interesting ones. And there’s a King who’s not in his right mind but that’s not even a minor issue here. So much isn’t even addressed because there’s such a lack of world building, the animal bonding is nonsensical, and that’s a major part of the series.
When there’s an issue with even the smallest to the largest of characters, then the narrative becomes a storyline that’s constantly stumbling.
I’m surprised to find that with Sam Burns. And I won’t be recommending this.
To Kill A King series:
- [x] Dragon’s Dawn #1
- [ ] Dragon’s Dusk #2 - Sept 28, 2023
Rating: 2🌈
Upon completion, I’ve found that there’s a few interesting things about the book and some really problematic aspects of the story that make it less compelling reading.
Let’s start with the world building. Half of the information and history or perhaps less, is included here. And that arrives at the end of the story. Which means the reader and actually the characters are operating on incomplete knowledge and assumptions.
We can assume the world is based on arranged marriages that has nothing to do with affection. The people here are bonded to animals. When that started and why ? Don’t know, no history. We get zero information about how each being acquired it’s bonded animal. Only that the type of animal is indicative of status. Dragon high, I would imagine mouse low, or something. Blood has something to do with it but what is not specified.
So immediately, some of the most important and intriguing elements are missing. This type of choice continues throughout the book. Even worse is that when some of the missing pieces are hinted at, as in many children tragically die because the father has forced them to bond with animals they can’t control, do we get more? No. It’s dropped completely and not brought back up.
Instead the reader is dumped into a politically charged situation that we won’t be given any time to “hear about “ or process the various family members of Genys, the MC who’s to be married off the the man bonded to a dragon, Prince Mikhail Vasiliev. The royal family is the Vasilievs and there’s a whole Russian themed world going on here with dachas and other Russian elements, but it’s haphazard at best. Russian names, objects, but Kings not Czars. Should have just gone with it.
We get no sense of who Genys is before he’s married and actually not much of one after. He’s a very young 19 years old, who’s been protected by a strong mother. Genys is bonded to a mink, Grusha. Mink cute , no magic. But his character traits are all over the map. He’s an innocent but he’s not. Socially adept but not. He’s a sexual person but he’s a young 19 who’s been protected by his mother and out of his element. The authors did such a weak job of creating Genys that it’s hard to establish a connection with him.
Now another thing about this aspect of the universe, there’s no magic . The main one seems to be the one where you and the animal are one in a bonded sort of way here. So Genys gets a cute pet basically and Mikhail/Misha gets a dragon to ride if the dragon is amenable and not a jerk. But if something happens to the animal, it happens to the person too, a fact acquired later in the story. So it’s a narrative tool primarily for the plot for book 2. So they are one and the same but they aren’t the same.
Please define the elements when it’s this important to your story, authors.
Is that substance enough in the form it’s in to make this element a huge aspect of the book? Not here it’s not. It’s just missing too much foundation.
Both authors reach wide when going for a wider arc and plot line but they focus more on book 2 than on the story that’s laying the foundation for the series and events that follow. How do I know this? They include the first chapter of book 2 at the end of this story. SMH. Incredibly frustrating to see those events that should have been folded in here in some manner.
That’s like saying, if you are running a race, “ok I’m going to have to move sections of it around, let me get back to you about the map. “
And no I didn’t even like the romance, not that there was any, or relationship ( not much of that either) between the two main characters. No chemistry, no communication, zero respect. But they then immediately say I love you. Yes , it’s one of those.
The more I think about it, the problematic area far outweigh the few interesting ones. And there’s a King who’s not in his right mind but that’s not even a minor issue here. So much isn’t even addressed because there’s such a lack of world building, the animal bonding is nonsensical, and that’s a major part of the series.
When there’s an issue with even the smallest to the largest of characters, then the narrative becomes a storyline that’s constantly stumbling.
I’m surprised to find that with Sam Burns. And I won’t be recommending this.
To Kill A King series:
- [x] Dragon’s Dawn #1
- [ ] Dragon’s Dusk #2 - Sept 28, 2023
October 14, 2023
1 star
DNF at 4%
The writing was actually half-decent in this book, which just makes it even more of a disappointment that I had to DNF. I’m just so sick of all these paranormal books where one guy is a hardcore alpha male that only tops, and the other is a femme little guy that only bottoms. Why can’t the characters be on equal footing? I know a lot of people enjoy that kind of power discrepancy, but not me.
DNF at 4%
The writing was actually half-decent in this book, which just makes it even more of a disappointment that I had to DNF. I’m just so sick of all these paranormal books where one guy is a hardcore alpha male that only tops, and the other is a femme little guy that only bottoms. Why can’t the characters be on equal footing? I know a lot of people enjoy that kind of power discrepancy, but not me.
July 11, 2024
miscommunication trope, i DESPISE you
July 4, 2024
4.75 stars
Great story.
Great story.
September 9, 2023
Good so far, but y’all might want to go back and edit the colors. Evgeny has ebony hair at first, which then slides into umber, then chestnut curls. Inconsistency like that is a little irritating
August 19, 2023
I liked it but I didn't love it. Still I'm curious about Kirian and Kostya so I'll read the second book as well.
I was excited about the prospect of two reluctant husbands and see them coming together but it didn't really happen, till the very end which was abrupt as well.
Evgeny is supposedly this very successful courtier but we almost never see this, apart from one occasion late in the story that frankly, having been a very avid Regency Romance reader once upon a time, I wouldn't consider that endeavor successful, just basic. Mikhail for all he was supposedly this big, bad murderous himbo none was apparent. He somewhat lived up to his reputation when he defended his husband at the breakfast with the King but we weren't even shown when he revenged his husband to his brother. How was he a thorn to the King, it is a mystery.
Throughout the story Mikhail kept ruminating on the fact that he only put thought before action when it comes to strategy and that he wasn't clever to anything else, but to me it seemed that he was stubborn and lazy to use his brain and words. A fact proven when after a whole lot Evgeny actually explained himself to Mikhail, things from his perspective, something he did twice, on which occasions Mikhail never replied with his perspective or explain his side, which left Evgeny fumbling in the dark of their relationship, trying to read his mind.
The game here was lack of communication throughout, to a level of stupidity uncomprehending, especially when those 2 individuals have reached an agreement that they want their marriage to work when they were in their "honey moon". They work well together when in bed but it's something that happens almost constantly in the first 100 pgs then nothing for 200pgs and we are back in the saddle for the last 50. It wasn't balanced very well.
Another thing that had me wondering throughout is how 4 people (Dasha -the king's sister, Mikhail, Kostya and Zoya -the 3 siblings and cousins to the King-) have noticed the King being there but ultimately absent, never looking anyone in the eye, or when they looked at them his stare was just not there, and no one wonders if he is somehow under a blood spell or something that has to do with magic. We are told that he changed after his father was killed but there wasn't any more info on the matter at all. And please behind everything is Georgyii that somehow is missed as the culprit by almost everyone, I'm hoping Zoya actually has noticed something although her role has been minimal.
Lastly there are enough nicknames to make you dizzy, especially if you aren't familiar with how Russian names are shortened.
As I said though, despite all those things frustrating me throughout I read the first chapter and the blurb for the next book in the duology (I think it's a duology) and I'm curious.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I was excited about the prospect of two reluctant husbands and see them coming together but it didn't really happen, till the very end which was abrupt as well.
Evgeny is supposedly this very successful courtier but we almost never see this, apart from one occasion late in the story that frankly, having been a very avid Regency Romance reader once upon a time, I wouldn't consider that endeavor successful, just basic. Mikhail for all he was supposedly this big, bad murderous himbo none was apparent. He somewhat lived up to his reputation when he defended his husband at the breakfast with the King but we weren't even shown when he revenged his husband to his brother. How was he a thorn to the King, it is a mystery.
Throughout the story Mikhail kept ruminating on the fact that he only put thought before action when it comes to strategy and that he wasn't clever to anything else, but to me it seemed that he was stubborn and lazy to use his brain and words. A fact proven when after a whole lot Evgeny actually explained himself to Mikhail, things from his perspective, something he did twice, on which occasions Mikhail never replied with his perspective or explain his side, which left Evgeny fumbling in the dark of their relationship, trying to read his mind.
The game here was lack of communication throughout, to a level of stupidity uncomprehending, especially when those 2 individuals have reached an agreement that they want their marriage to work when they were in their "honey moon". They work well together when in bed but it's something that happens almost constantly in the first 100 pgs then nothing for 200pgs and we are back in the saddle for the last 50. It wasn't balanced very well.
Another thing that had me wondering throughout is how 4 people (Dasha -the king's sister, Mikhail, Kostya and Zoya -the 3 siblings and cousins to the King-) have noticed the King being there but ultimately absent, never looking anyone in the eye, or when they looked at them his stare was just not there, and no one wonders if he is somehow under a blood spell or something that has to do with magic. We are told that he changed after his father was killed but there wasn't any more info on the matter at all. And please behind everything is Georgyii that somehow is missed as the culprit by almost everyone, I'm hoping Zoya actually has noticed something although her role has been minimal.
Lastly there are enough nicknames to make you dizzy, especially if you aren't familiar with how Russian names are shortened.
As I said though, despite all those things frustrating me throughout I read the first chapter and the blurb for the next book in the duology (I think it's a duology) and I'm curious.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 17, 2023
I'll be honest, this book took me a while to get into. The time period the book took place in was in the regency era?, and so the writing depicted that. I think that's why it took me a while to get invested in the story because the wording that was used was a bit confusing to me at times. However, despite that I very much enjoyed the creative liberties that both authors took while creating this unique world full of characters who have questionable morals and ethics. I really was intrigued by the characters having their soul counterparts being animals, I found that very interesting and unique. Genya's mink was adorable and defensive, and I can't write this review and not acknowledge the big puppy that is Misha's dragon. He is truly adorable, and the two soul counterparts were definitely the stars of this book.
I thought the relationship between the two MC's was.. dysfunctional yet fitting? I mean, if these two just communicated a lot of their problems could've been avoided. But Genya was too stubborn, and Misha was too pig-headed and in his own world. I do believe that these two are a good pair, as much as they argue they are good for each other. They argue, yes, but they also show each other their love in a multitude of ways. I appreciated how the authors wrote their relationship and how they really made the reader hold their breath. Cause let me tell you, these two did not get to their HEA right away, they fought that tooth and nail. I liked that this book was on the longer side, it gave plenty of time for the plot to develop and gor the characters to grow, each character had depth and a plethora of details and information. Which I always enjoy and appreciate.
I will say that this book is very high on the steam level. There are a ton of spicy scenes throughout the course of this book. So if that's not your cup of tea, you may find yourself skimming some pages.
I really enjoyed how both these men came into their own selves, how Misha grew as a person, and how Genya also grew and learned how to be more than a 'pretty face.' With Misha's help he learned and realized he was so much more than that. I'm really looking forward to Konstantin's story, I can't help but wonder who his significant other will be. I'm so excited!
I thought the relationship between the two MC's was.. dysfunctional yet fitting? I mean, if these two just communicated a lot of their problems could've been avoided. But Genya was too stubborn, and Misha was too pig-headed and in his own world. I do believe that these two are a good pair, as much as they argue they are good for each other. They argue, yes, but they also show each other their love in a multitude of ways. I appreciated how the authors wrote their relationship and how they really made the reader hold their breath. Cause let me tell you, these two did not get to their HEA right away, they fought that tooth and nail. I liked that this book was on the longer side, it gave plenty of time for the plot to develop and gor the characters to grow, each character had depth and a plethora of details and information. Which I always enjoy and appreciate.
I will say that this book is very high on the steam level. There are a ton of spicy scenes throughout the course of this book. So if that's not your cup of tea, you may find yourself skimming some pages.
I really enjoyed how both these men came into their own selves, how Misha grew as a person, and how Genya also grew and learned how to be more than a 'pretty face.' With Misha's help he learned and realized he was so much more than that. I'm really looking forward to Konstantin's story, I can't help but wonder who his significant other will be. I'm so excited!
August 10, 2024
I’m really struggling on a rating for this book. I think it’s maybe 3.5 stars. I loved the beginning and it started off so good- then it kinda started to get a little ridiculous. I know a lot of people have miscommunication because of they just talked it would solve their issues, but as someone who is extremely conflict avoidant I love the miscommunication trope because if I was forced to marry someone with a giant dragon and the dude ended up acting like he hated me ya know what? I would also assume he hated me and assume the worst in his actions when he’s literally only nice during sex. And let’s me real, he still wasn’t that nice. He said some nice words and then left usually, he never even cleaned him up. Just left him to sleep covered in nastiness. That annoyed me. But anyway, I can’t blame him for his thoughts and if I were him I wouldn’t be much better so I kinda love the miscommunication trope.
BUT this went a little far even for me. Especially towards the end. Also,
Other reviews were right when they said it kinda turned into a soap opera. It was really good up until that point. Also, so many named and so many nicknames and I honestly kinda never knew who most people were and just went on the vibes
BUT this went a little far even for me. Especially towards the end. Also,
Other reviews were right when they said it kinda turned into a soap opera. It was really good up until that point. Also, so many named and so many nicknames and I honestly kinda never knew who most people were and just went on the vibes
August 24, 2025
DNF at 33%.
My heart is hurting and I won't make myself keep reading this.
Misha is an ass and I feel so sad for Genya. They were both forced into this marriage and Genya was prepared to try to make it work. However, Misha is constantly angry and blames Genya. So, he keeps on willfully misunderstanding the situation and being so cruel.
1. Misha ignores Genya during their engagement and avoids seeking him out. When Genya finally tries to at least meet once the night before they are to marry, he finds out the Misha is off at a brothel having sex with prostitutes.
2. When Genya comes up to Misha the day of the wedding, Misha doesn't even know who it is that is talking to him. He doesn't realize that Genya is his betrothed.
3. Misha meets Genya's mom and thinks, "It's too bad this isn't my future spouse, she's awesome." Seriously!? Gross.
4. They are told they are being sent to the countryside the day after their wedding. Misha wants Genya to ride with him on his dragon, but when Misha first sees the dragon, he's afraid because it's the closest he's ever been. Instead of trying to sooth Genya's fears at all, Misha has a little hissy fit and just flies off without a word because "Genya can just take the carriage".
5. Genya is tired and sore and hurting because he just had a very vigorous wedding night followed by a bumpy carriage ride. He's feeling super sad and lonely. As soon as he arrives, Misha doesn't ask him how he is, doesn't care for him at all, doesn't acknowledge anything... but makes a move on Genya to have sex. And when Genya's body betrays him even though he's angry and hurt!? THAT is when I have had enough. I am tired of Misha being so cruel.
I won't put up with this anymore. Genya is only 19 but Misha at 29 is acting like the child and throwing temper tantrums while Genya just wants to have a little care. He would love to love and be loved but Misha is too blinded by his own asshole-ness to give a thought for his young new husband who is in a crappy situation due to no fault of his own.
My heart is hurting and I won't make myself keep reading this.
Misha is an ass and I feel so sad for Genya. They were both forced into this marriage and Genya was prepared to try to make it work. However, Misha is constantly angry and blames Genya. So, he keeps on willfully misunderstanding the situation and being so cruel.
1. Misha ignores Genya during their engagement and avoids seeking him out. When Genya finally tries to at least meet once the night before they are to marry, he finds out the Misha is off at a brothel having sex with prostitutes.
2. When Genya comes up to Misha the day of the wedding, Misha doesn't even know who it is that is talking to him. He doesn't realize that Genya is his betrothed.
3. Misha meets Genya's mom and thinks, "It's too bad this isn't my future spouse, she's awesome." Seriously!? Gross.
4. They are told they are being sent to the countryside the day after their wedding. Misha wants Genya to ride with him on his dragon, but when Misha first sees the dragon, he's afraid because it's the closest he's ever been. Instead of trying to sooth Genya's fears at all, Misha has a little hissy fit and just flies off without a word because "Genya can just take the carriage".
5. Genya is tired and sore and hurting because he just had a very vigorous wedding night followed by a bumpy carriage ride. He's feeling super sad and lonely. As soon as he arrives, Misha doesn't ask him how he is, doesn't care for him at all, doesn't acknowledge anything... but makes a move on Genya to have sex. And when Genya's body betrays him even though he's angry and hurt!? THAT is when I have had enough. I am tired of Misha being so cruel.
I won't put up with this anymore. Genya is only 19 but Misha at 29 is acting like the child and throwing temper tantrums while Genya just wants to have a little care. He would love to love and be loved but Misha is too blinded by his own asshole-ness to give a thought for his young new husband who is in a crappy situation due to no fault of his own.
August 28, 2023
DNF 38% This was too disjointed for me to continue, and wasn't compelling enough. No angst, high-stakes, or plot, really.
The characters didn't make any sense, and kept switching around. It made for a super unreliable read.
For example,
Misha: "Unlike Georgiy, though, I wasn't the man who left room for speculation. I'd cut the bastard's throat and leave him to bleed out in the middle of court for Dima to see."
If you think these thoughts are shocking, what're more shocking: they don't exist five minutes later. Time for a confused reader to ponder. Is he planning on killing Genya, or isn't he? Does he have sinister thoughts, of doesn't he? It was like the author couldn't make up their mind, and later, these earlier, violent thoughts seemed non-existent. It's like the author dropped something important, something so important as having one love interest wishing death upon another, and it was hard to keep up with the whims of the author. It's like I could never trust what was put on page.
To make this more ridiculous:
Misha: "But this was my husband. He was supposed to...he was supposed to be different than the others." (in reference to Genya fearing Misha's dragon)
This is the day after they meet, and already Misha has some grand expectations that were, needless to say, completely hypocritical, considering he was earlier contemplating Genya's death. To feel hurt that Genya fears death by dragon, when a lover's death by dragon had happened before, was really, really silly.
More Misha eye-roll moments:
Genya: "I will not be your plaything. I deserve more than your cock."
Later, Misha: "He had all but admitted that the only interest he had in me were my cock."
Umm???? Where, Misha? Where? I'm pretty sure he said the opposite. That wasn't selective hearing. That was something else.
If there are people out there who enjoy disjointed characters, low-plot, unreliable text, then this the book for you.
The characters didn't make any sense, and kept switching around. It made for a super unreliable read.
For example,
Misha: "Unlike Georgiy, though, I wasn't the man who left room for speculation. I'd cut the bastard's throat and leave him to bleed out in the middle of court for Dima to see."
If you think these thoughts are shocking, what're more shocking: they don't exist five minutes later. Time for a confused reader to ponder. Is he planning on killing Genya, or isn't he? Does he have sinister thoughts, of doesn't he? It was like the author couldn't make up their mind, and later, these earlier, violent thoughts seemed non-existent. It's like the author dropped something important, something so important as having one love interest wishing death upon another, and it was hard to keep up with the whims of the author. It's like I could never trust what was put on page.
To make this more ridiculous:
Misha: "But this was my husband. He was supposed to...he was supposed to be different than the others." (in reference to Genya fearing Misha's dragon)
This is the day after they meet, and already Misha has some grand expectations that were, needless to say, completely hypocritical, considering he was earlier contemplating Genya's death. To feel hurt that Genya fears death by dragon, when a lover's death by dragon had happened before, was really, really silly.
More Misha eye-roll moments:
Genya: "I will not be your plaything. I deserve more than your cock."
Later, Misha: "He had all but admitted that the only interest he had in me were my cock."
Umm???? Where, Misha? Where? I'm pretty sure he said the opposite. That wasn't selective hearing. That was something else.
If there are people out there who enjoy disjointed characters, low-plot, unreliable text, then this the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews