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Dragon’s Reign #1

The Ninth Dragon Shifter

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Eight dragon shifters rule the world, but then ordinary human Caden Bryce becomes the ninth, destined to be a mate to one of the eight. Yet all Caden wants is his old life back.

Dragon King Valerius, most powerful of all the dragon shifters, is none too pleased to find another dragon in his territory. But when the other dragon shifters come to court Caden, Valerius finds that he wants Caden as his own.

This is a long serial that is divided into book-length segments. Every single one ends in a cliffhanger. We anticipate there being 9 volumes. This series will not be in KU, because it is on the Raythe Reign serial website. There is also a free podcast on Youtube with the author reading!

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

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About the author

X. Aratare

98 books733 followers
X. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.

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5 stars
216 (44%)
4 stars
173 (35%)
3 stars
72 (14%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Shonee.
398 reviews50 followers
April 12, 2024
I listened to this as a podcast a couple years ago. I was EXCELLENT. The only reason I stopped (i.e. rage quit) was because the 2 MCs have sex and literally, while they're still in bed post coitus, the human-dragon guy was like "I wonder if he likes me?"

Like, my DUDE, you just gave him your ass cherry. You don't think you should have asked this BEFORE sleeping with him? It was just so stupid, and came out of nowhere.

Up until that point, I was hooked.
Profile Image for Claire.
54 reviews
June 16, 2025
DNF @ 72%

this is giving story idea you have at 15 years old and flesh out but you don’t quite have the writing ability to write it well….this isn’t *not* enjoyable bc the premise is very good but the writing is just not up to par with the idea. couldn’t stand the obvious attempt at creating sexual tension when there was absolutely zero chemistry between Caden and Valerius other than what was being forced. utterly disappointed in this read :(
Profile Image for Paula.
118 reviews20 followers
April 25, 2024
Excuse meeeee this deserves so much more hype! I stumbled across this and decided to read it (yes maybe based on the cover) and it was actually so good. It got me out of my month long reading slump! Now I desperately need to check out the podcast 👀
Profile Image for Lucy  Larsen.
641 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2026
I’m so excited to finally get to start this series. I’ve been eyeing it for a while but didn’t have time and now I have more time to spend on it.

Let me just say that so far, I have not encountered an X. Aratare book that I did not like. So far, this series is no exception. First of all, the world building in this book is so fascinating and even just in the first volume of this series there was enough world building to give context and shape to the world without overwhelming the reader with too much information and that made the experience of reading this book just so much fun.

I also really liked all the characters introduced so far and I’m interested to see how they change as the series continues. So far thought, I seriously like Caden. His character is not only so much fun to read about but his interactions with all the other characters is so interesting and dynamic that it makes me want to learn more about him. I think he was a great choice for a main character, and the way he is written is just *chef’s kiss*. The spicy level is a level 1 in this book, but I know it’s going to go up because it always does with this author. Lol.

Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Great start to a series and interested to see where it goes from here.
Profile Image for Keira.
108 reviews15 followers
March 22, 2025
4.5 🌟⭐️🌟⭐️!!!

MY BABIES🫶🫶🫶

I cannot believe i have finally finished these 140 chapters (the entire series not just the first book). I’m going to miss all these characters so much, they’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. This book has been engraved in my (nearly) daily routine playing my tycoon on roblox or doing my wordsearches every evening while listening to the funny bloopers in each ep.

When I fist started listening to this I never would have been able to guess the plot twist at all. Literally left me gobsmacked. But the ending was so cute, my pookies <3

The character development Ilarion went through was written so well, I didn’t even know the slight changes until he became one of my favs.
OMG and wally, rose, shione (girl better not scare me like that again)
Valerius geeking out about lord of the rings will be one of the best moments written and his secret hideout AHHH LOVE

The only thing that I have to critique on is that it seemed that Valerius and Caden’s seemed like they were just getting to know each other then after however many chapters there was just an immediate shift and they just started becoming more physical. I only listened to the original version, so maybe in the edited version this has been changed for their relationship to flow better at the start. But overall I didn’t mind they’re a perfect match, compliment each other so well. Oh and so do their dragon counterparts CUTIES grumpy rossiel and sunshine iolaire.

Wonder if the other dragon spirits found a host or not. Can't wait for the new book going to be released which is a cross over of ever dark and dragon’s reign. Hope to own one of their raythe’s gorgeous hardback’s. fingers crossed
Profile Image for BeckieLouLou.
757 reviews21 followers
February 15, 2026
4.5 stars. Audiobook. Series of 9 books, following same couple, must be read in order. This author clicks with me so very much. I adored the EverDark series and this one with dragon shifters is really great as well. All of the books in this Reign series follow one newbie shifter who just happens to become a dragon, which is rare and celebrated. I adore the antics and misguided adventures as he tries to keep his identity secret, protect his friends and adjust to his new reality. One MC is all sunshine and trying-so-hard vibes and his delicious counterpart is leather and lifetimes of experience. Slow burn, age gap, sunshine/grump. The slow thaw of the big tough guy is amazing, the sweetness and earnestness of the younger is a wonderful counterpoint. Lots of plot, romance is meaningful and satisfying, but there is a lot of other story going on.

While not full of OTT shenanigans, there is a strong element of things-falling-apart in fun, silly and exasperating ways that adds a lot of entertainment. The narration is absolutely amazing and elevates these words to a higher level.

I only got through book5, the rest are not available on audio. At Book5 we’ve met all of the players in an upcoming drama/war/resistance and it ends with a major discovery, but more on the horizon. The relationship is pretty solid, so I feel like you could stop here and still be satisfied with the series. Once the rest are on audio, I will definitely be back for the conclusion of the story.
39 reviews
January 28, 2025
So. Hm. How do I put this elegantly? I love Valerius. I love his councillor, the Sphynx shifter (I cannot be bothered to look for her name right now, honestly). The plot is tedious and slow and it's not even a story that shouldn't have any plot and just be an exploration of something or another. No. It's a full blown fantasy novel.

Just. Okay. Caden is naive and boring and fuck me, he's supposed to be 25. He doesn't act 25. He doesn't feel 25. He feels, at most, 18. The fact that his entire family seems to infantilise him from the get go and keep doing that doesn't fucking help. At all. The fact that the only ones that seem to believe that Caden has to say anything worth while listening to are the other Shifters doesn't really help with the novel's idea of pushing a human rights agenda. When the humans are hard to impossible to like, the whole thing becomes a parody of itself.

Also. I have seriously never met a 14 year old or however old Caden's sister is that acts like a 7 year old on sugar. All the fucking time. All of it. It's so tiring. All of it.

And I haven't even made it to the stereotypical Dragons. Don't get me started on those.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kit.
1,517 reviews16 followers
Read
April 23, 2024
Read : March, 2024
Rating : 4,5 Stars

Aaaw I love Caden, he's such a cutie pie that I just wanna cuddle him for ever, but like, less creepy you know.

I also like Caden's sister and friends, they seems like they'd go to bat for Caden.

I initially did not like valerius the black dragon king bro dude because, well, he's kind of a dick..

But he grows on you, and at the end I did semi sorta not hate him.

The worldbuilding is half way, but I get the idea that we get more throughout the entire story, so devided over multiple books.

The world already shown and explained seems interesting, a bit urban fantasy vibes to it.
1,438 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2025
Let down.

I gave this story a four star because it's interesting. The BIG let down is that you have to buy the second or third book to find out what happened. If I had known that I wouldn't have bought the book. It's sad when authors do that. I may not buy any more books from this author.
Profile Image for Nicole.
310 reviews
April 1, 2025
Quite a few typos towards the last 20% (yes, I’m one of THOSE people), but still enjoyed it and want to see where it goes from here.
Profile Image for .Tea.
62 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
The funny thing abt this originally being a webseries is that the entire first book takes place within one day
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandy Kay.
935 reviews83 followers
April 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this opening novella to the Dragon’s Reign romantasy series! Apparently the author is reading all installments in a podcast, could be fun to tune into that too.

Caden is a lovely young man, fabulous moral code, very heroic without being irritating, working in his boss Wally’s souvenir emporium, which hawks shifter-themed merch to humans and shifters alike. The book opens on the 30th anniversary day of the 8 dragons settling the war among them for territories and dominance, which King Valerius the Black Dragon shifter won and now rules over them all from his own kingdom, a territory that covers the US and Canada. The entire city has gathered to celebrate, and the king in dragon form is flying over the city so they can all see and celebrate. He’s also hosting the human leaders of the US and Canada among other dignitaries

When Caden discovers a terror plot and acts selflessly and heroically, nearly dying to save everyone else, a dragon spirit…chooses him to embody a new and wholly unexpected thing. A ninth dragon. The White Dragon. An entity that Valeriu’s dragon Raziel sees….and immediately tries to eliminate, leading to much trouble for them all.

Caden is swept into danger and hiding and then exposure. Valerius must find out how his dragon Raziel took control and nearly killed him…and why… because something more is going on than simply one dragon being in another’s territory…and it will turn everything on it’s head.

Really fun characters, including Caden’s co-worker and boss and his lovely (and a bit weird…) family, and Valerius’s guards and advisor, plus the people Caden meets when he first escapes and disappears…this cast will keep the series hopping, I’ve no doubt.

This is very much an intro, with strong…feelings engendered for Valerius about Caden, and vice versa, but no acknowledgement yet of real romance. Just…very fun setup for what’s to come, with Caden’s new existence meaning all the other dragons are bound to descend upon Valerius’s kingdom to meet the new dragon…!

Shenanigans are gonna be FUN.

Open ended start to a serial. Dragon shifter and new dragon shifter, I want to kill you that is jussst starting to turn to touch him and DIE. Heh heh I can see it coming. Raziel, you can deny all you want, but…that little white dragon is meant for you, I know it. No OM action or drama at all (yet! Ha ha). Totally safe for me. Very much an intro, but one that enticed me to keep going. Recommended.
Profile Image for Trip .
931 reviews31 followers
July 19, 2025
*Put this as spoiler as originally reading on Raythe website, only got book after and not sure how many chapters ahead I'd already got too.

I adored the concept and setting of this story so much, Caden is wonderful and I adore his optimism/hope for people. The toy store with the dragons, his friendships and bond with his family - especially his sister is wonderful.

The action that kicks it off, Cadens transformation and the alternating povs with Valerius. I must admit Valerius took a while to charm me, as he seems so flippant and not bothered about the goings on of his people. Yet it seems he was somewhat forced into his role of King, when dragons were revealed to the world.

I enjoyed how the dragons have their own spirit two, their individual links and the white dragon especially is so sweet. The variety of shifters is fascinating in this tale too, my heart broke for those in the lower levels. Along with how shifters are chosen by like spiritual, it can happen to anyone at any point.

Some shifters are revered and appreciated for certain roles, while other are looked down and treated awfully. Oh and the moment you shift it's expected separate to family, I'm glad Caden is a fighter though and doesn't just let himself be swept away.

Even while his intrigued by Valerius he isn't just going to follow the rules and he wants to try to help the people. They're not all bad and I adore Rose, her swarm shift with the bees and how helps nature.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joey Feldmann.
109 reviews
March 22, 2026
I actually enjoyed this book until the very ending. And I don't know why.

I found this book on Hoopla looking for a "spicy" fantasy book. The premise seemed interesting, plus Hoopla books are free, so I gave it a listen. And it is the slowest book you will ever listen to. The entire book takes place over one day. Outside of the event transforming our lead into the ninth dragon shifter, almost nothing happens on this day. Just a LOOOOOT of talking and introducing characters. There isn't even any "spicy" events in this book. Characters look at each other and begin to show the smallest glimmerings of feelings, but nothing more. There is nothing in the way of action in this six hour book.

And yet? Yet I enjoyed myself. If you asked me, I would have said the characters were nothing special. But something about them, and how they interact with each other, drew me in. The slowness was a bit of a drag. I really wanted them to stop introducing problems and start actually solving them. But I enjoyed the ride.

But then there was the ending. It felt like a chapter end that the author just chose to use to end the book. It didn't conclude any narrative within the book. There was no plot point resolved. It wasn't even an especially powerful cliffhanger. It just ended. I don't think I can accurately describe how terrible of an ending it was. I was almost insulted by its sheer stupidity. I knocked down the rating by a whole star because of it. (2.5 rounded up to 3)

So do I recommend this book? Maybe? I mean, I did enjoy 90% of it. The characters ARE endearing and enjoyable. I am even likely to listen to book 2 to see if we ever leave the first day of the new dragon shifter. Surely action has to happen sometime. (Plus, Hoopla is still free.) But know that if you choose to listen you are doing so despite all of the reasons I shouldn't have liked this book. Even though I did.

Edit: Coming back in to add that, apparently, this was originally conceived and produced as a podcast. That explains WHY the book doesn't seem to function like a book does. It doesn't mean the choices are excused. If you are going to produce something as an e-book, it ought to work as one. But it does leave me less confused.
Profile Image for wolfsbane .
9 reviews
January 19, 2025
um livro sólido; a história e temas são interessantes e os personagens bem gostáveis; é engraçadinho em vários aspectos e gostei da variedade de personagens, reviravoltas no enredo e o fato de ter mais de um "vilão"

amo slow burn, então fico feliz que as coisas estejam indo meio devagar entre os protagonistas.

me incomodou um pouco a recorrencia de erros gramaticais e de construção de frase, e o fato de que e autor sempre enfatiza desnecessariamente o peso e caracteristicas físicas do personagem Wally, o que não acontece com os outros. entendo que ele revela ser um shifter no final, mas ainda não acho relevante enfatizar os traços dele a cada parágrafo. parece que o humor é ele ser gordo mas...é, não achei legal.

Caden Bryce (eu amo esse nome, inclusive) é o típico protagonista herói auto sacrificial e ingênuo...seria uma pena se essa personalidade gentil dele afundasse o ver o quão cruel o mundo pode ser...é, uma pena...
mas falando sério agora, seria interessante se a dinâmica deles invertesse ao longo dos outros livros. iria adorar ver caden se tornando menos ingênuo e até um pouco mais egoísta, sombrio, ou cansado. talvez em breve ele perceba que é impossível salvar todo mundo.

resumindo, apesar de, para mim, não ser uma obra UAU de maravilhosa, é um livro divertido que nos apresenta um universo promissor e cheio de potencial. ansiosa pra saber mais sobre os personagens e suas motivações/histórias.
espero que os próximos livros da série sejam ainda melhores!
Profile Image for Readbookswithcats .
490 reviews11 followers
March 1, 2026
The Ninth Dragon Shifter is an MM, urban fantasy romance. This is part of a long serial, each story leaves a cliffhanger and picks right up in the next one. The world is made up of shifters and humans. Shifters are essentially humans that are taken over by a shifter spirit and can change shape. There is a clear hierarchy and humans are mostly down on the list. Caden is a regular human, living in what is essentially middle class and works in a souvenir shop. There is not many advancements for him, but he is content with his work, life and family. On the anniversary of the kingdom, there is a person who tries to set off a bomb. In an effort to save as many as he can, he grabs the bomb and jumps off with it. The white dragon spirit notices his sacrifice and latches onto him, turning him into a dragon. There has only been 8 dragon shifters in a millennia and each rule a section of the world. Now there is a ninth.
Dragon King Valerius is the ruler of the are Caden is from but also the ruler of all other dragons. His dragon spirit, at first, is threatened by the new, smaller dragon who can spit ice. Now, they realize he is a potential mate to one of the dragons and they want to claim him for themselves.

Very interesting world building and characters. I enjoyed Caden and how adorable he is! I also think that Valerius will be insanely protective of Caden and I can’t wait!
35 reviews
June 7, 2025
This was a good story and I would have given it 5 stars but there were some editing issues. The author seemed to struggle with remembering the character names towards the end of the book. One of the characters is named Caden Bryce and his family (father, mother and sister) all have the same last name, "Bryce". For some reason the name "Bryce" randomly becomes "Bryant" towards the end of the book. There is character introduced in the "Rights and Wants" chapter of the book named Leonard Guissler and then that character is referred to in the next paragraph (as well as the rest of the book) as Mr. Moore. There were other editing issue but these are super glaring. The author apparently couldn't be bothered to edit their work. I will read the next book because the story itself is good but really the author should have actually read it (or had someone else read it) before it was released to catch and fix these errors.
37 reviews
July 20, 2024
I LOVED this book. I had never experienced a serial podcast style reading before but I thought it was so unique. My heart melted listening to Valerius and Caden’s love and relationship develop, and of course the spice. The personalities of each dragon shifter created such a diverse dichotomy amongst the group. I enjoyed the range of shifter species and how the author created a world where humans and shifters live in tandem in our modern day. The representation of racial disparities, racial discrimination and misogynistic practices in this book were so eloquently written that it had me reflecting on these aspects in our current world. One part I especially enjoyed had to have been after Illarion’s evolvement of character later in the book. Every thing he said had me laughing out loud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Viki.
Author 8 books39 followers
April 15, 2024
There are some... ridiculous elements in here but somehow, I might like it better than Ever Dark series. I think it's the slower pace. And power balance. The King of All is super powerful but was gone and has to "prove himself". Mostly, he just absolutely destroys any and all opposition. That's what we call OP in gaming terms. Ironically, the black dragon is already a king - and he's kind of not in control. In more ways than once. The story and overall progression is richer when every problem is not immediately solved with a flick of someone's powerful hand. Romance included.

We'll see how it goes in the future, but so far, I am curious.
Profile Image for Alexia Munson.
12 reviews
May 12, 2025
I-I have no words. HOW IS THIS FREE FOR ME TO JUST CONSUME??? It’s amazing, must read if you like fantasy romance. I love how the 🌶️🌶️ scenes are there to enhance the relationships between the two main characters, and not pwp (porn without plot) I didn’t read those scenes, and I still understood everything perfectly. It’s an all around amazing book and would 100 million percent recommend it to anyone who would like to read a very gay, fantasy romance with lovable characters and plot twists around every corner. Along with that I also am looking to read more from this author, and can’t wait to see if they live up to the same standards I’ve set for Dragon’s Reign.
Profile Image for Duke Silver's Duchess.
900 reviews
January 29, 2024
Lols!! Picked this up for the cover but pleasantly surprised that this wasn't just a pretty cover. I feel like with a lot of MM dragon romances you either get gems or coal.

This reminded me a bit of His Consort by Mary Calmes and the Scales 'n' Spells series. You had a good beginning where you have the anticipation of the two MCs meeting and a delightful slow burn, angsty, what-are-these-feelings middle. The end just made me want book 2 TODAY.

Highly recommend if you're looking for a good MM romance with dragons.
196 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2025
fun but many mistakes

Good story, I liked the characters, even if Caden is too good natured to be believable. And if Marbon becomes an advisor to him at any point I’m quitting. I hope he tells him ‘sorry, but I need good people as my advisors. And you’re not one’.

There were many grammatical errors, typos, too many commas or not enough, and about three chapter from the end there’s a very disruptive “end of book 1, make sure you get book 2”, only to be repeated at the actual end of the book. I suggest a new editor.
Profile Image for Heather Chase.
59 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2026
Not heavy on romance or sexy scenes but a story that's worth the read. The way this author writes really brings you into his worlds. Their characters are all so well developed too and I've fallen in love with Caden who is selfless to a fault, Valarious who's long life has left him a bit cynical but couldn't help but fall for Caden. Cadens sister Tilly who is fiesty, fierce and protective of who she loves. Rose who has lived such a harsh life and lost so much but with Caden, Wally and Tilly is learning to trust and love again. And let's not forget Shione, who's guidance and witty snark helps keep Valarious from being a coldhearted king.
Profile Image for Reader.
22 reviews
July 13, 2025
Interesting story, but I don’t think the writer was able to articulate chemistry well enough to make this a must-read series. I listened to some of the podcast (before it was removed from Spotify to be re-released?) and read through the first three books before giving up. There are a host of side characters who range from milk toast to endearing.
Profile Image for Jandee.
935 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2024
So good!

This story is interesting and fast paced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Caden is a sweetheart. I don't like cliffhangers, but if this was a completed series I wouldn't mind as much.
Profile Image for Jennifer Carter.
Author 94 books57 followers
July 25, 2024
This one was a fast read but had me not wanting to put it down. A little bit of enemies to lovers? I’m curious about the next book. I loved Caden (definitely a cinnamon roll hero). Can’t wait to see what happens next
68 reviews
January 3, 2025
Good

I really enjoyed that. I enjoyed that a lot. Honestly, it just felt like an introduction. But I think that's exactly what it was, and I'm not complaining at all. I liked it. It was good. I'm so excited to really get into the story.Heading to the next book right away.
Profile Image for Revy.
691 reviews19 followers
February 4, 2025
it was.. fine? I am trying not to be too brutal because this is so very indie. But the worldbuilding was kind of vague, both main guys were kind of tropey and there was an unfortunate amount of typos.
Profile Image for Fae Morgan.
657 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2025
4.5 stars

I remember starting Dragon's Reign but then getting around to finish it. Remembered most of what I read though, up till the Surrender chapter, didn't get past that. But neat little twist at the end there.
223 reviews
December 22, 2025
I read this so long ago I barely remember it but I do think that this author's work is very formulic , so if you like instantaneous romance and smut Then really , it's just a matter of choosing which stereotype or trip you like with this , in this case , I like dragons , they're fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews