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Dread Knight #1
Dread Knight
An oathbreaker paladin. An angel with a dark secret. An unexpected partnership to restore a shattered world.
Centuries ago, a cabal of powerful mages cast a disastrous spell that corrupted the source of magic, transforming much of the world's population into merciless monsters called Riven. Empires crumbled. Civilization collapsed.
Yet an ember of hope remains. Duncan Keene is a Dread Knight, a dark warrior empowered by an unholy pact with a demon lord. He has sacrificed everything to save the world from the Riven—his family, his future, even his very soul. When he finds himself unexpectedly partnered with the last uncorrupted angel in the world, she makes it her mission to redeem him.
But Duncan isn’t interested in salvation, only victory. Because if one spell can destroy the world, can’t one man save it?
Dread Knight (96,000 words) is a post-apocalyptic epic fantasy harem with light gamelit elements inspired by the world’s oldest role-playing game.
Centuries ago, a cabal of powerful mages cast a disastrous spell that corrupted the source of magic, transforming much of the world's population into merciless monsters called Riven. Empires crumbled. Civilization collapsed.
Yet an ember of hope remains. Duncan Keene is a Dread Knight, a dark warrior empowered by an unholy pact with a demon lord. He has sacrificed everything to save the world from the Riven—his family, his future, even his very soul. When he finds himself unexpectedly partnered with the last uncorrupted angel in the world, she makes it her mission to redeem him.
But Duncan isn’t interested in salvation, only victory. Because if one spell can destroy the world, can’t one man save it?
Dread Knight (96,000 words) is a post-apocalyptic epic fantasy harem with light gamelit elements inspired by the world’s oldest role-playing game.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2024
402 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawke
80 books239 followersSarah Hawke is a prolific writer of science fiction and fantasy in multiple genres, including erotica, harem, and bondage. Her books are known for their intricate world-building, twisting plots, and fleshed-out characters—and of course their many intense, steamy sex scenes.
If you are interested in "pure" traditional harem stories, The Lost Fleet is the perfect place to start! Wings of the Seraph is a shorter, older series but also hits most of the traditional harem notes. Shadow of the Seraph features a rotating male and female pov with some F-F scenes involving temporary futanari, so avoid that unless it is your jam!
Her fantasy universe features many types of erotica stories involving bondage (Elf Slave, all the Spider Queen books) and non-traditional harems (The Amazon's Pledge, The Amazon's Vengeance). She also has two ongoing fantasy erotica series with intense action and multiple points of view, War of the White Throne and The Blade of Highwind.
If you are interested in "pure" traditional harem stories, The Lost Fleet is the perfect place to start! Wings of the Seraph is a shorter, older series but also hits most of the traditional harem notes. Shadow of the Seraph features a rotating male and female pov with some F-F scenes involving temporary futanari, so avoid that unless it is your jam!
Her fantasy universe features many types of erotica stories involving bondage (Elf Slave, all the Spider Queen books) and non-traditional harems (The Amazon's Pledge, The Amazon's Vengeance). She also has two ongoing fantasy erotica series with intense action and multiple points of view, War of the White Throne and The Blade of Highwind.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 19, 2024
Great intro to a dark harem series
At first glance, this novel looks like an alternate, darker version of the game series Dragon Age.
But halfway through reading it, I came to enjoy it and read it rather quickly.
I really liked Duncan and his two current girls Kithani and Vess; and how they interact with each other.
The action scenes were also enjoyable.
Like the extra info about the setting but I wished that the Maps and the Pantheon data in the beginning instead of the end. It would have been helpful when I started to read the book and was confused on who was how.
Either way, I liked this book and I can't wait to read the next book.
At first glance, this novel looks like an alternate, darker version of the game series Dragon Age.
But halfway through reading it, I came to enjoy it and read it rather quickly.
I really liked Duncan and his two current girls Kithani and Vess; and how they interact with each other.
The action scenes were also enjoyable.
Like the extra info about the setting but I wished that the Maps and the Pantheon data in the beginning instead of the end. It would have been helpful when I started to read the book and was confused on who was how.
Either way, I liked this book and I can't wait to read the next book.
March 26, 2024
What a great read!
Finished in a day it was so good! The perfect kinda fantasy I've been looking for for years...twisty,fast paced,lusty and sensual with a great plot! Kudos, Sarah! I haven't enjoyed a good fantasy novel in years! Can't wait for the next one!!?
Finished in a day it was so good! The perfect kinda fantasy I've been looking for for years...twisty,fast paced,lusty and sensual with a great plot! Kudos, Sarah! I haven't enjoyed a good fantasy novel in years! Can't wait for the next one!!?
March 31, 2024
Good fantasy
This is a good story. The characters are interesting, and the pace of the action keeps moving. It turned out to be what I was looking for, so I think it's entertaining.
This is a good story. The characters are interesting, and the pace of the action keeps moving. It turned out to be what I was looking for, so I think it's entertaining.
January 11, 2024
Usually I prefer isekei or urban fantasy, but if I could get this book 6 stars, I would. The story unfolds with a series of flashbacks which reveal just enough of the history to keep things going without ruining the mystery of the story. It would have been a very different book if the entire thing was told chronologically. It has a solid ending for a single book while still leaving plenty of room for the next in the series, it's not a cliffhanger ending, but not every thread is tied off either.
January 15, 2024
Such an exciting and amazing story!!!
It comes as no surprise to me or any who have given this authors works a chance that this is a wonderful story!!! Crammed full of tons of action, unique magic, gruesome enemies and life like allies!!! I can't wait to see wht she comes up with next!!!!
It comes as no surprise to me or any who have given this authors works a chance that this is a wonderful story!!! Crammed full of tons of action, unique magic, gruesome enemies and life like allies!!! I can't wait to see wht she comes up with next!!!!
August 29, 2024
Yes, it's a sexy fantasy book about a Blackguard/Anti-Paladin loving an angel who has no real sense of shame about sex. It also has a surprisingly good plot about the End of the World and a zombie apocalypse. I'm not a big fan of the way the book is formatted but I'm used to strange formatting with kindle Unlimited. Its a guilty pleasure but very well written like all of Sarah Hawke's works.
January 9, 2025
Great action.
Great action and story, only slight issue being no real gamelit elements. Still recommend it if you are looking for a good bit of spice in your fantasy.
Great action and story, only slight issue being no real gamelit elements. Still recommend it if you are looking for a good bit of spice in your fantasy.
March 14, 2024
Really fun
This was a fun, relatively quick read. It's another perfect book for an evening in. Pick it up, you'll not be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
This was a fun, relatively quick read. It's another perfect book for an evening in. Pick it up, you'll not be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
February 25, 2024
Outstanding!
Not your average fantasy tale. A little graphic on the sex but nothing too extreme. Interesting characters. Looking forward to the second book.
Not your average fantasy tale. A little graphic on the sex but nothing too extreme. Interesting characters. Looking forward to the second book.
February 26, 2024
good book
This was a really good read. I highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the next one to come out in the series.
This was a really good read. I highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the next one to come out in the series.
February 1, 2024
Awesome Read!
I have read so many books in this genre, and sadly a lot of them are a disappointment with the same tired tropes and a hero focused on more love interests than you can shake a stick at. This usually has the effect of completely subverting the adventure narrative.
This book was a complete breath of fresh air in that regard. There was plenty of adventure, and I found the world building to be top notch. This book could have been completely lacking any adult content and I still would have been just as invested. Needless to say, I can't wait until the next book comes out! We'll done Sarah Hawke!
I have read so many books in this genre, and sadly a lot of them are a disappointment with the same tired tropes and a hero focused on more love interests than you can shake a stick at. This usually has the effect of completely subverting the adventure narrative.
This book was a complete breath of fresh air in that regard. There was plenty of adventure, and I found the world building to be top notch. This book could have been completely lacking any adult content and I still would have been just as invested. Needless to say, I can't wait until the next book comes out! We'll done Sarah Hawke!
January 21, 2024
Delightful Story
I’ll be totally honest. I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I started this book; but by the time I finished, I was ready for more.
An interesting grim dark world, a decent and gritty main character, and interesting side characters, this one is worth checking out.
I wasn’t sure how when the flashbacks were happening, but they did a great job of filling in blanks and shaping the story.
Definitely worth the read.
I’ll be totally honest. I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I started this book; but by the time I finished, I was ready for more.
An interesting grim dark world, a decent and gritty main character, and interesting side characters, this one is worth checking out.
I wasn’t sure how when the flashbacks were happening, but they did a great job of filling in blanks and shaping the story.
Definitely worth the read.
January 30, 2024
Sarah has done it again!
Have found that all of the Sarah Hawke books I have read have been good. One of my rules has been to not read a 1 book series, instead to wait until at least 3 parts had been done. Was in between books and saw this, planning on reading a little to see if it was worthwhile to put on my list and ended up finishing it in one afternoon. Oh well, now I have to wait.
Have found that all of the Sarah Hawke books I have read have been good. One of my rules has been to not read a 1 book series, instead to wait until at least 3 parts had been done. Was in between books and saw this, planning on reading a little to see if it was worthwhile to put on my list and ended up finishing it in one afternoon. Oh well, now I have to wait.
February 13, 2024
I'm 85% through the book. I got this book because I was horny and it seemed like it might be enjoyable. It is enjoyable in that manner, but I actually got interested in the world that the author created and the characters plight. Even without the spicy bits, which are placed at reasonable times rather than all over the places, its a good story.
February 10, 2024
Great Beginning of a New Series
This post-apocalyptic fantasy harem story drops the reader in the middle of a world that is sick, with groups of Riven killing regular humans and elves. Into this mess, we meet some heroes that are fighting to make things better.
This post-apocalyptic fantasy harem story drops the reader in the middle of a world that is sick, with groups of Riven killing regular humans and elves. Into this mess, we meet some heroes that are fighting to make things better.
January 17, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the Deva. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the Deva. I anxiously await the sequel.
January 26, 2024
Fantastic fantasy! I really enjoyed this adventure. It was really well thought out. Great world building & super sexy! Definitely recommend!
February 13, 2024
One of the best in this genre
I was captivated immediately. This story is gritty and there is a sweetness to it also. The characters are likeable endearing and intense.
I was captivated immediately. This story is gritty and there is a sweetness to it also. The characters are likeable endearing and intense.
October 14, 2024
We learn at any age.
A few days ago, I had no idea what the "Fantasy Harem" genre was. If I had known, I probably wouldn't have tried to read this book.
I would have missed out on a discovery. I think there are good books in all genres. I admit that it is very difficult to find them in accounting or quantum mechanics manuals. But they must exist.
Let's get back to "Fantasy Harem". What is it? Fantasy and porn...
But in this book, Fantasy is top-notch, in a genre halfway between David Gemmell and Glen Cook. The universe is very rich, we are plunged into it directly without a lifeline, without explanations and the author does very, very well. It's pure sword and sorcery, and it's very good stuff.
The porn part is perfectly interwoven into the story and is not too cumbersome. It can also be skimmed, because as is often the case, we learn nothing new there.
In short, I don't know if I was very lucky, or if this new genre (apparently directly inspired by the "harem" manga universe) is full of nuggets of this kind.
I will lead the investigation, by already reading the continuation of Duncan's adventures...
A few days ago, I had no idea what the "Fantasy Harem" genre was. If I had known, I probably wouldn't have tried to read this book.
I would have missed out on a discovery. I think there are good books in all genres. I admit that it is very difficult to find them in accounting or quantum mechanics manuals. But they must exist.
Let's get back to "Fantasy Harem". What is it? Fantasy and porn...
But in this book, Fantasy is top-notch, in a genre halfway between David Gemmell and Glen Cook. The universe is very rich, we are plunged into it directly without a lifeline, without explanations and the author does very, very well. It's pure sword and sorcery, and it's very good stuff.
The porn part is perfectly interwoven into the story and is not too cumbersome. It can also be skimmed, because as is often the case, we learn nothing new there.
In short, I don't know if I was very lucky, or if this new genre (apparently directly inspired by the "harem" manga universe) is full of nuggets of this kind.
I will lead the investigation, by already reading the continuation of Duncan's adventures...
March 13, 2024
At first I was bummed that this was set in a completely different universe as Hawke's Dragon of Highwind series, which she had developed really well over the course of a dozen books. But I actually enjoyed the worldbuilding on this one even more! It shares some elements with DoH, like transactional relationships with gods with major trade-offs and heroes from groups known more for being villainous.
What's different is mainly the D&D elements, yet even with that, it's not a carbon copy of forgotten realms, it's its own thing. I really liked the idea of a 'righteous' dread knight who acts in some ways more like a paladin than the paladins. I also liked that this was a specific culture, the MC is not, at first glance, Drizz't, a mutant among his kind. Or is he?
The smut, as ever, is also really great, Hawke has long been able to find a good balance between detailed sex that doesn't detract from the story. It's a rare skill. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next in this series!
What's different is mainly the D&D elements, yet even with that, it's not a carbon copy of forgotten realms, it's its own thing. I really liked the idea of a 'righteous' dread knight who acts in some ways more like a paladin than the paladins. I also liked that this was a specific culture, the MC is not, at first glance, Drizz't, a mutant among his kind. Or is he?
The smut, as ever, is also really great, Hawke has long been able to find a good balance between detailed sex that doesn't detract from the story. It's a rare skill. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next in this series!
June 23, 2025
This book is good. I was hooked from chapter one. The world-building is seriously on point; I kept turning pages, eager to see what’s coming next at every twist and turn. Sure, the names of gods, orders, and places sometimes gave my brain a little workout, but the author made them distinctive enough to keep me on track without feeling overwhelmed.
The characters are smartly written. The MC isn’t just bumbling around making stupid choices to drive the plot—it all fits logically within the world they live in, making his decisions and conclusions feel earned and believable. And let me tell you, those saucy parts? Hawke wrote them so well—they added just the right amount of heat without ever feeling forced.
If you’re craving a post-apocalyptic fantasy packed with action, brains, and a dash of seductive flair, this book’s a stellar pick.
The characters are smartly written. The MC isn’t just bumbling around making stupid choices to drive the plot—it all fits logically within the world they live in, making his decisions and conclusions feel earned and believable. And let me tell you, those saucy parts? Hawke wrote them so well—they added just the right amount of heat without ever feeling forced.
If you’re craving a post-apocalyptic fantasy packed with action, brains, and a dash of seductive flair, this book’s a stellar pick.
April 8, 2024
Enjoyed the new world
This particular series seems to be a bit dark at least in the beginning. Takes a little getting used to. There is a lot of religion in zealotry Mentioned in the book it's basically Initially a confusing war Between good and evil and The good aren't always good. This book didn't touch on the post apocalyptic part that much other than you see some historical reminders of past technological days. The sexy time is nothing too crazy nor is it out of place certainly doesn't detract from the story. By the end of the book you figure out that nothing is quite what it seems. But not all surprises are revealed and there's still plenty of powder that's dry for the rest of the series. Looking forward to the next book.
This particular series seems to be a bit dark at least in the beginning. Takes a little getting used to. There is a lot of religion in zealotry Mentioned in the book it's basically Initially a confusing war Between good and evil and The good aren't always good. This book didn't touch on the post apocalyptic part that much other than you see some historical reminders of past technological days. The sexy time is nothing too crazy nor is it out of place certainly doesn't detract from the story. By the end of the book you figure out that nothing is quite what it seems. But not all surprises are revealed and there's still plenty of powder that's dry for the rest of the series. Looking forward to the next book.
December 9, 2025
This was pitched to me as "like a D&D novel but with sex" and that is pretty accurate. I was happy that, unlike a lot of books like this, the sex wasn't the point of the story, and there are only 3 or 4 sex scenes rather than one every few pages.
While this was better than i expected I don't know if it sold me on continuing the series. The main problem is that there isn't an interesting villain. The bad guys are basically just hordes of zombies and aren't very interesting. And, even more problematic, I didn't find any of the protagonists super interesting, either. You root for them, but none of them are people that made me say "I would really like to get to know this character better and find out where they end up".
While this was better than i expected I don't know if it sold me on continuing the series. The main problem is that there isn't an interesting villain. The bad guys are basically just hordes of zombies and aren't very interesting. And, even more problematic, I didn't find any of the protagonists super interesting, either. You root for them, but none of them are people that made me say "I would really like to get to know this character better and find out where they end up".
April 7, 2024
A satisfying and titillating tale from start to finish! The world breathes and lives, and is much a character as Duncan Keene or Kithani. Kithani easily takes the prize for favorite character thus far. Though Vess, much like with Duncan, is starting to grow on me.
The quality of prose was great for this genre of book, and the pacing of the book, with its interspersed scenes from the past, made want to keep turning pages.
Currently reading book two, Soul Harvest, and can't wait to see where this series ends up!
The quality of prose was great for this genre of book, and the pacing of the book, with its interspersed scenes from the past, made want to keep turning pages.
Currently reading book two, Soul Harvest, and can't wait to see where this series ends up!
March 30, 2025
What sets Sarah Hawke's books apart from most other harem lit is that they are actually satisfying SF/fantasy stories even if you take out the sex scenes, and that they're pretty well written.
Sure, you still get a lot of the common tropes—like the monster-girl girlfriend obsessed with making breakfast for the MC—but you also get interesting worldbuilding, proper dramatic arcs, plot twists, a bit of character depth, motivations that make sense, and all of that "proper novel" stuff.
Sure, you still get a lot of the common tropes—like the monster-girl girlfriend obsessed with making breakfast for the MC—but you also get interesting worldbuilding, proper dramatic arcs, plot twists, a bit of character depth, motivations that make sense, and all of that "proper novel" stuff.
May 11, 2025
Fantastic Gritty Fantasy with Exceptional Spice
Most romantic or erotic novels written for a male audience are not written well. Same for the harem genre. This is one of those glorious exceptions!
Fantastic gritty fantasy. Deep characters and extensive world building. The spicy stuff is realistic and makes sense to the story & characters.
Give it a read and I intend to read the rest of this authors stuff. Good job Sarah Hawke, you managed to elevate a whole genre of novels!
Most romantic or erotic novels written for a male audience are not written well. Same for the harem genre. This is one of those glorious exceptions!
Fantastic gritty fantasy. Deep characters and extensive world building. The spicy stuff is realistic and makes sense to the story & characters.
Give it a read and I intend to read the rest of this authors stuff. Good job Sarah Hawke, you managed to elevate a whole genre of novels!
February 26, 2024
Great story
The plot was well thought out and flowed very well. The flashback sequences helped to define the mood and setting for current events as well as the inner conflict of the main character.
The plot was well thought out and flowed very well. The flashback sequences helped to define the mood and setting for current events as well as the inner conflict of the main character.
April 12, 2024
A highway of emotions
This book had me questioning myself at times. Nice way to tie in the past with the present. Towards the end is when you got me. Had me thinking the worse, and delivered kinda.
This book had me questioning myself at times. Nice way to tie in the past with the present. Towards the end is when you got me. Had me thinking the worse, and delivered kinda.
May 1, 2024
A fun, entertaining high fantasy read. Nothing thought provoking but a good popcorn read. Loved the battles and the bit of worldbuilding was good with magic having corrupted the world, leaving a large population of Riven/demons for the remaining forces of humanity to deal with
May 4, 2024
Fun read, nothing outstanding, but I enjoyed the who Dread Knight thing, and the dichotomy of the holy and the dark working together to save the world before (gasp) the dark power overtook them was fun, even if it was a bit predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews