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Dragon’s Reign #1
The Ninth Dragon Shifter
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!
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
135 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books708 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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.
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.
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 👀
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 :(
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 :(
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
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
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April 23, 2024Read : 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We'll see how it goes in the future, but so far, I am curious.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 3, 2024
Started out a little rough, first couple pages felt a little more like statements being made than a story being told but it got better. I think I'll keep reading but I wish it wasn't broken up into "volumes", especially at $4.99 each, especially if there are going to be 9.
If the series is good, I'd be interested in a paperback omnibus at the end.
If the series is good, I'd be interested in a paperback omnibus at the end.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 13, 2024
Intrigued, it’s fine so far, slow
October 7, 2024
Loved this !!!
December 6, 2024
This is a wonderful love story wrapped in urban fantasy, imagining what a world would look like with creatures of fantasy come to life! 5 out of 5!
January 2, 2025
Dragon’s Reign: The Ninth Dragon Shifter (Book 1) (Dragon's Reign) by X. Aratare – This was on kindle vella, but it is now being released as a serial novel. It was fun! Happy Reading!
May 4, 2025
I see dragon shifter, I read.
bonus when they are cute
bonus when they are cute
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews