Dragon's Dusk

To Kill a King #2

by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes, Kirt Graves (Narrator)

I have been a runt, a disappointment, and a monster. Now, I am simply a man.

This wouldn't be so strange if yesterday I weren't a dragon.

Locked away and isolated after a vicious attack left a princess blind, my greatest joy has been my bonded rider, Kostya.

My Kostya is a prince with the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders. When his world begins to crumble, a witch offers me the chance to escape my cell and stand beside him.

But on two legs, without my scales and claws, Kostya doesn't recognize me. He fears his dragon was stolen, and when suspicion turns my way, I learn that there are prisons darker and more dangerous than a dragon pen.

A little very big dragon finds his voice, two legs, and some delightful human appendages beyond in this MM high fantasy romance, featuring: one forlorn dragon-riding prince, a dragon who just wants to kiss the boy, two incredibly self-sacrificing doofuses, a road to pain paved with all the best intentions, and a plot to upend a kingdom.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, M M Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Magic, Shapeshifters

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published September 18, 2023

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons and magic are a brilliant combo in this second instalment

This second instalment in Sam and Fawkes’ new dragons series is absolutely brilliant.

You do need to have read book one, this is not a standalone, and the plot moves along at a serious pace as things get more and more bleak, not only for our twosome, but for the Vasiliev family as a whole.

While the same series long story arc is ongoing here, the feel of this narrative is so different to book one. Here we have a kind of Little Mermaid plot as Kostya’s sister Zora uses her blood magic to bring green dragon Kilian to life.

Unfortunately for the sweet-hearted dragon, he’s unable to speak so he cannot explain to his beloved Prince who he is, and there begins an immense amount of pining and longing as Kostya’s also suffering the trauma of thinking his dragon has been let loose or been kidnapped.

I cannot adequately express how much I love Kirian. His joy at finding himself in human form is cleverly worked into the more darker elements as he stumbles his way around the dangers of the palace and his feelings for Kostya.

The attraction between them is there from the start, but Kostya’s got a million different things preying on his mind and he’s sure there’s something treasonous going on behind the scenes at court.

He’s also dealing with the fact his dragon is missing and he’s not sure whether he’s been kidnapped or has just escaped his long imprisonment in the palace stables having finally had enough of being treated like a dangerous monster.

This book has content warnings on the title page which it’s worth baring in mind, there is a scene when Kirian’s taken to the dungeons and what he goes through is very hard to read but completely in keeping with the high fantasy nature of the setting.

We also get to find out exactly what happened all those years ago when Kirian’s actions blinded the King’s twin sister Dasha and her golden dragon and it’s heart-breaking to see how much it was an accident caused by a tiny young dragon’s fear.

Sam and Fawkes work their plotting with skill as things move rapidly through intrigue after threat after confrontation before we get the biggest action sequence yet as Kostya finally throws the smackdown on someone I knew was a baddie from the start!

No spoilers here but I was cheering like crazy when those events played out on page.

So now we’re onto book three, which will finally reveal just what is going on with the King and whether or not his loyal bodyguard Arkadii will be able to bring him back from the brink of madness.

Bring it on!

[Iz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

"Dragon's Dusk" is the second installment in Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes' latest, high fantasy series, and like its predecessor, it's packed with action and romance, dragons and magic, steam and found family and just the right amount of darkness and angst.
I loved book one, and I was so very excited for Kostya's story: he was a fascinating character, sweet and mysterious, and his reveal at the end of book one left me quite a bit shocked. So yes, of course I was looking forward to his story!
Unfortunately, it didn't always work for me.

I think, after book one and its absolutely bonkers (and murderous and cunning and darkly hilarious) main characters, I was expecting something similar to that. Or at least, something that had the same wickedly crazy and darkly fun vibe. So Kirian and Kostya's romance, with its sweetness and wholesomeness, threw me off a bit.
Don't get me wrong, this book is still packed with angst (quite a bit too, with all the hurt/comfort my heart could wish for; so that was definitely a positive) and conflict, betrayals and violence, but I don't know, the romance felt a bit lacking (or at least, it lacked what made Misha and Genya's romance so explosive). Plus, it featured one of my least liked tropes, The Secret and/or Hidden Identity: that one always makes me feel ridiculously stressed out and frustrated, even though the deception was unintentional on Kirian's part.

But yeah, even though I wasn't totally sold on the romance, I still enjoyed it! I loved the world-building, with its high-fantasy vibes and the political scheming and intrigues going on, and the cast of characters, both side and main, good and evil, were unforgettable: Zoya and Dasha stole the show, as usual, Misha and Genya still have my heart, and Kirian and Kostya, despite my complaints, are lovely and sweet protagonists. Dima though? Now that is a character I'd kill to know more about. I really, really, really hope book three will be about him, or I won't be held responsible for my actions. Something bad has clearly happened to him to make him so unstable and murderous, and I'm so curious to discover more.

Despite some niggles, I still wholly recommend this series if you're a fan of high fantasy, high-stakes romances, ones that are packed with magic (and dragons!), steam and action, and just the right amount of darkness and sweet, sweet angst.

TWs/CWs: violence, torture, murder.

Thank you Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. Loved every minute.

[P-san~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Teeny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually skimmed after the 62% mark.

The love between Kostya and Kirian that they felt for each other, when they were just human and dragon, came out of the blue and after Kirian was turned into a human, since we spend half the book with Kostya having not realised that the stranger is indeed Kirian, it never really developed all that well.

Then we drowned in the guilt both of them felt about everything and them blaming themselves for everything under the sun, that truthfully the plot didn't moved forward at all apart from what happened at the end.

I'm gonna read the next book in skim mode, because I just want to finish it, and sate my curiosity when it comes to Dima, and be done with it.

[MM Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon's Dusk by the duo writing team of Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes was not as good as the first book in the series, Dragon's Dawn. But it was still worth a read. This time it's Kostya's turn to get the spotlight. And it's quite a wild ride - literally and figuratively.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Dragon’s Dusk is the second book in Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ To Kill a King trilogy. While this story features a new couple in Kostya and Kirian, the series plot connects across books and this one will be better read after Dragon’s Dawn. I am finding this series to have some interesting world building and engaging characters. I like the way that the overarching conflict with the king, the cousins, and the fate of the country are carrying across the books, while we get individual stories for different characters. This book is lighter on the politics side than the first book, and the trouble brewing really only comes into play toward the very end. I wished it was a bigger part of the plot, as this story really only focuses on Kirian and Kostya.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Blibli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books are My jam. My only complaint is that the end feels a Little too abrupt.

[LilLaurasaurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little better than the last one. Kostya and Kirian are two dumb himbos in love 😂 they’re cute. But omg, there’s so much inner monologues full of guilt and angst that it’s exhausting to read. It gets pretty repetitive. All they think about is how they both feel so awful about what happened in the past..and basically everything else that happens. I dunno why the guys in that family are such pining idiots with horrible communication skills 😅 What I was really confused about, is how if they share a soul bond, Kostya didn’t realize sooner that human Kirian was the dragon. Especially if he felt all his emotions. Wouldn’t it have been obvious? A naked stranger suddenly shows up near the dragon stables and just happens to show every emotion that his dragon is feeling through the bond. And even has eyes the same exact green color. 🤷‍♀️ but I dunno. Poor sweet Kirian getting tortured was really sad tho 😭 that was the worst part.
I was a bit bothered by the end. I didn’t feel like Kostya and Kirian’s story was fully resolved. It ended pretty quickly after the whole battle scene. It was more of a HFN ending. And didn’t give very much info on where they’d go from there. I guess since Kirian can change back and forth they just stay at court with everyone? 😅 and figure out Dima’s shit.

[Finnegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book on high hopes, as I was looking forward to Kostya and Kirian's story. But for some reason this series is not gelling with me. Kostya and Kirian are both drowning in guilt over their actions in the past and present, and it was exhausting. I loved them both as characters, Kirian is a cinnamon roll and I wish I could have a dragon of my own, so kudus to the authors for creating such great characters, but the guilt and angsting and brooding was just too much for me. I would have stopped the series here as I am not feeling it, but I want to read why Dima is so mentally damaged so forwards and onwards.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok for me. The intrigue was meh, the romance was weird and repetitive, and everyone in this series is too stupid to live and it's pretty annoying. Side note: Is everyone on the book covers the same person? Seriously, I know they're all brothers/cousins but it just looks like the same person from different angles.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A good read but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. ALSO, are we getting a book for Dima?? If so when??

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just.. wow. I'm going to start by saying this is NOT a standalone, you must read what comes before. Now, I did read the first book. While I liked it I didn't completely love it. This book, however, I Adored! The bond that Kosha has with Kirian is so special and so sweet. And that's before he got turned into a human.

I felt so much pain and compassion for Kirian, he was trying to figure out how to operate a human form. Meanwhile trying to cope with the fact that Kosha didn't know who he was. The buildup of this book, was so fantastic! I really liked how the main plot wasn't dealt with right in the beginning. These authors draw out the suspense, make you guess on who's doing what, or which character is going to commit a crime next. I, for one, love when authors keeps me on my toes, and keeps me guessing. And this dynamic duo did just that.

I thought the writing was done exceptionally well, the time period this series is set in feels a bit historic, so the writing of the characters reflect that. I thought that even while there are A LOT of people to keep track of, they all play an important role. I liked Kirian and Kosha when they were mentioned in the first book, and reading about them in their book made me fall in love with them. They are so cute, so sweet, and I loved the journey these authors' took us on. We got to see their relationship form as two humans, instead of dragon and human, we got more information on that tragic night that Kirian got punished for. We got more action, and deceit, more betrayals.

Also something.. happened concerning Dima, and I wonder if his story is going to be next. I'm excited to see what his perspective is on everything that's happening.

Overall a really terrific read!

[Sailor Neptuno · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Stay, Kostya.” He stared up at me, dazed and flushed. The feeling that sang through our bond was heady, tingling with pleasure. All his need tangled with my own. Kostya’s throat bobbed. He nodded. “I will,” he promised.

Right from the start this installment has totally different vibes than the previous book. The latter was more heated and feisty while this one felt more insightful and wholesome. Though, there is one thing that both have in common and that is this family’s stubbornness. The women in the family seem to be the only one level-headed. I was thankful for it because someone needed to smack some sense into the men. And their job is not over yet, because there’s still other members of the Vasiliev family they have to deal with. That being said, with every book I'm more intrigued about Dima and I want to see his redemption so badly.



Kostya and Kirian’s bond goes beyond everything. They were literally meant to be together. I gotta say that some inner self-deprecating thoughts, from both sides, felt a little repetitive sometimes. Which led to communication problems. And that made me have a hard time connecting with them and the story overall.




A lovely story focused on the romance. Where a dragon/human pairing will go against all odds to be together.


*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this focuses on a new couple, the series does have to be read on order. There's too much that builds upon events in the first one that you could get lost in this one. I adored Kirian! Both he and Kostya are still deep into feelings of low self worth as a result of an injury to a cousin from an accident in childhood. These two have been carrying around feelings of guilt for so long, it was so emotional when these layers started to peel away. There are a lot of characters, but I think the authors do a great job of not overwhelming us with too much information too fast. The world building is incredibly strong and we slowly get to see the family healing. Kostya has a lot of facets. He's super caring and sweet and yet has this thread of steel through him. While I like him, Kirian stole the show for me. Seeing the world new through his eyes was a joy and I loved his devotion to Kostya. There's a few spicy scenes between these two but not too many and some are painted with broad strokes.

I really enjoy this series and highly recommend it to any fantasy (and dragon) lovers! I really hope we get to see Dmitri heal and get his backstory. I'm super invested in this family and I want to see them all get their happy endings. One thing that I do like, is that it does feel that consequences are felt for actions. This series will take you on an emotional ride as well and I can't wait for more!

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series. Kostya and Kirian’s story is emotional, and full of twists. The blurb’s description of them as self-sacrificing doofuses is spot on. I also enjoyed catching up with Misha and Genya, who is totally the most dangerous of them all.

I love how Kostya and Kirian are everything to each other, yet Kostya, even with their bond, takes a while to figure out who Kirian is. The scene where the penny finally drops is wonderfully wracked with guilt. I loved their connection and how a sweet gentle dragon isn’t one to mess with. Kirian needing to learn how to talk in human form with his tongue etc being different is a brilliant idea.

Family plays a huge part in the story. I love the relationships between the siblings and cousins, and the number of strong women. I wouldn’t want to cross either Zoya or Dasha.

I’m enjoying the intrigue and how that part of the story is progressing through the series. The worldbuilding is fabulous, and I love the bonding between royals and dragons, and others and their animals. I’m enjoying the political side too, and how the king bonds to the land and the consequences of that.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope they can help Dimi, although I suspect that’s going to be more down to someone else.

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really needed some distance from the first book to enjoy this one. It was a good decision to put this off. Especially since, if I remember correctly, I really didn't like Kostya all that much in the first book.

In this book I kind of felt for Kostya, but I really loved Kirian. There were some really heartbreaking scenes. This series is a lot heavier than the authors usually write. Maybe some trigger warning would be good for some people. There is a torture scene with quite many details. If you are squeamish about those kinds of things proceed with caution.

I really want to give this book 4 starts, because it did hit me in the feels, but on the other hand this is a character driven story without actual character growth. Okay, both of the main characters realize that they don't need to hate themselves, but that's it. They don't even really fall in love because they were halfway there already.

So yeah, an emotional book but without the catharsis maybe. If you don't mind a short walk on the darker side of things, but love an endearingly loyal and naive main character, this is the book for you.

[Neats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this review is hard, not sure if I want to give it 4 or 2 stars. I'm going to review as a series with out spoilers.

First book. First prince. Forced marriage. He's a pig. I hate the whole. I'm being forced to get married, let's whore around. My dad got killed. But, then the authors have a vision.

Now, there's my 2 stars, 4 star conundrum. Because this series will make you hate the characters, n sometimes the journey but when you look at the series marvel at how clever the concept and the execution.

Because then there's a 2nd book. Different cousins. No jerk. No nastiest. Just your little heart that bleeds for these two to find each other in the madness, of hurt, and broken family.

Then comes 3rd book. Just wow, these authors. 10 yrs was way too long. U done messed up. This just didn't make sense. His PTSD n reaction. Oh well.. don't think on it too hard. Or u will 2 star it. Think on how clever the foundation work of the previous books of foundation work was n how I actually never read a series like this before n give it 4 stars.

[Kelly Diener · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors certainly know how to captivate their readers with Dragon's Dawn! Kostya and Kirian are just the sweetest together both before and after Zoya meddles with things. There's fierce loyalty and devotion between them in both of Kirian's forms. Getting to know Kostya not just as the kindly prince we all have seen, but his harder side was interesting. You can understand why he does what he does to Kirian but on the same note you want to shake him for it.

The allusion that something has happened to Dima is intriguing and leaves me wanting the next book in the series. It leaves me hopeful that Dima can be redeemed and the real villain brought to light to save the family and country both. You'll definitely want to read Dragon's Dawn first as it has the MCs from it in there, and other family members and their guards, so it's helpful to know who is who.

I'm thrilled to have received an ARC of this book and be able to share my honest thoughts on it.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again

Is there a dragon, or a person, more beloved, more precious than Kirian? I say no and will fight anyone who says otherwise. I mean, Kostya will fight you as I don’t want get on his bad side.

“I’ll look for you in every leaf and every gust of wind. I will never mistake you again. You are my everything.”

Gah, my heart almost couldn’t take the angst. I wanted to fly Kirian far away, somewhere high and out of reach, and I wanted to force Kostya to see how very much loved he is, more than he knows. Let’s face it, no one else could love these two more than they already do. Kirian and Kostya are meant to be, they’re puzzle pieces that only make sense with they’re together, and the love they have is so beautiful, so strong, that nothing will ever compare. I adore this series, and I need Dima in my life. I cannot wait to soar with dragons again.

[LadySeven · Rating 2 out of 5]

why everyone in this series put up with fuckin stupid mad dog Dima is beyond me. I would've staged a coup ages ago... Ten years of cold, crazy and unpredictable is way too long.
Not only Kostya, this martyr, tolerated his crazy cousin he even forgave him and was loyal and fell in love with a Dragon! a dragon who felt like a fuckin child. My eyes felt dirty reading this.
Kirian is old enough to do everything they did but his broken speech and simple-mindedness made me feel like he was a child and no, just no.
Even in his dragon form his train of thought was really childish and naive. I felt unconfortable reading this and the fact that everyone was so fuckin stupid didn't help, because the plot was not plotting, the plot was held by a thread of stupidity sharad by every single character.

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

After devouring the first in the series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one - and ended up mostly satisfied, if not quite as in love as I was with book one. Unlike book one, this is a sweet slow-burn of a romance - to the point where sometimes it dragged with the self-blame both men heaped upon themselves. Think misunderstanding to the one-hundredth degree, then throw in two guys who literally cannot communicate for the first half. Once Kostya understands what happens, the self-recrimination eases up a bit (maybe not as much as it could have) and the pace definitely picked up - not to the freewheeling wildness of book one, but the main mystery was unwound a bit and kind Kostya has a satisfying HEA.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon's Dusk is Kostya's story. He was intriguing, and clearly a loving brother in Dragon's Dawn, so I was eager for his installment.

I have to say, I liked the themes of this book more than the first book.

And wow, the feelings hit me right in the gut. We uncover more plotting, get closer to the heart of the problem, and get heartbreaking insights on Kostya, Kirian and the other characters we've been introduced to.

Watching them both go through the realization that they can be Enough was touching.

Dragon's Dusk is more than a romantic love story, though. It's a story about the journey to self-love and the path of familial love.

Dragon's Dawn showed us what was broken.

Dragon's Dusk is the beginning of how to fix it.

I can't wait for Book 3.

[Sunny Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

the way this was 100x stronger than the first one (and the first one was fine!) 😫

thoughts n feelings:
-VERS REP
-I never thought I’d say this but I …kinda wanted more smut ???? to balance out the torture and anguish I would like some kissing as a treat perhaps???
-again many similarities to Tavia Lark’s Perilous Courts series but different enough that it’s fun. nothing is original anyway
-the way family/found family was incorporated was so effective, the side characters are all lovely and it all perfectly sets up Dmitri’s redemption arc coming in the third one when he was really quite unlikeable in book 1
-can we please make it illegal to put muscular torsos on the covers of books please god I beg you it’s so bad

[Levi Rivas Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon’s Dusk beautifully weaves emotion, heat, and heart together, knocking the second book in this series out of the park! The world-building continues from book 1 (Dragon’s Dawn), creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

“Dusk” is filled with dragon lore and magical intrigue that feels both fresh and timeless. The romances crackle with intensity, balancing tender vulnerability with fierce devotion. The theme of sexual aggression in “Dawn” was hard for me to read as a person who struggles with the concept of sexual safety, however “Dusk” is a story of beautiful devotion and sacrifice in the face of malicious, vindictive selfishness, every twist in the plot deepens the emotional stakes.

[Heather Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally read this book in 2 days. Devoured it just as greedily as the first one, and now I can't wait for #3. I've had thoughts and questions, and I NEED TO KNOW.

One thing to note for those that may want to know: Despite book one being more... murdery, I found this one to have darker moments. Particularly the torture scene. That scene had impact and was unlike anything I've come across in a Burns and Fawkes book before. It was amazingly well done, but it may come as a surprise to readers.

Overall, I'm loving this series. If Burns and Fawkes write more books like this, they can just invoice me automatically and send them my way.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon's Dusk is the second book in To Kill a King series, I loved that this is about romance, dragons and magic… prince Kostya and Kirian were soooo sweet!!!

Kirian and Kostya's was very different than book 1, this book is more betrayals and violence but the sweetness that Kirian and Kostya’s were are everything!! Kostya’s sister Zoya is a blood witch that without telling anyone what she was going to do, she performed a spell in Kirian, Kostya’s beloved Dragon. With his transformation everything change between them and I love everything about this book. There’s so many schemes brewing in this book. Kostya feelings for Kirian were what I loved the most, I enjoy more of Misha and Genya too and also I’m more intrigued with Dima.

I highly recommend this series, who doesn’t love Dragons and magic!! With action, violence and high steam! Looking forward to the next book!

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much happens in this installment! I definitely enjoyed it even more than the first one. I was so invested in Kirian and his struggle to be human. Poor Kostya is in the dark about where is dragon has gone is quite distressed. I am not going to give anymore away on that front though. Kostya was just Kirian needed but with all these two go through it was a super slow burn romance. They have a natural and beautiful bond though so you know they will be together. There is some fantasy world darkness here as well and the overarching series theme is to be continued!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

PNR, slow burn, hurt/comfort

Kostya and Kirian were involved in a tragic incident in childhood that irreparably harmed someone they love.
It has shaped who they have become.
They're both carrying a world of guilt and grief as a result.
They have a little of healing to do, both individually and together.
They don't help their situation by not knowing how to communicate.
There's also still political machinations going on, betrayals, twist and turns and fast paced action.
There's also something brewing with Dima and I'm very curious to see if my thoughts on that are right.