The Dragon King's Challenge

Dragon’s Reign #3

by X. Aratare

If Caden Bryce thought it would be difficult to tell his parents that he’s the Ninth Dragon Shifter just wait until he has to tell him that he and Valerius are dating!

But Caden’s parents aren’t the new couple’s only speed bump. The Green Dragon King Illarion has come to Reach to make the phrase “three’s a crowd” take on a whole new meaning.

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 audio version on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

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

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[BeckieLouLou · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This actually made me chuckle a few times. It's not outstanding literature by any means but it's silly and entertaining

[Lucy Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited that this series has continued to keep my interest as I continue to read through it. Totally worth the read so far

I really liked getting to know the parents a bit more. I remember thinking in the last volume that I wanted more of the parent’s relationship and how they interact with each other and Caden. I was glad that I did get to see more of that in this volume and also how his parent reacted and dealt with Velarius as a character. Their relationship was interesting and I can only assume will be more rocky the further we get into the series as well.

I also liked Velarius a bit more in this volume than the previous one. I think drunk Velarius is my favorite Velarius just because he was much more honest about what he thought and wanted when he was drunk. I also liked how silly he was which was kind of fun to see since he’s usually such a stoic character and logical thinking. I also like how their relationship is developing and moving forward in this volume. It makes me more excited to see their relationship in the next one. The spicy rating was also a level 5.

Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating. I loved it and am excited for the next one in the series as well.

[Heather Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Angel9skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s now an addiction

I can’t tell you how much I looooove reading this series so far and so sad that I have to wait for book 4. I wanna know what happens next!! I’m so impatient. Anyways the pacing was great the characters amazing!! The way their relationship is going is so stinking cute!! Valerius finally is showing that he wants him!! Can’t wait to find out what happens next!

[D. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang!😳

So happy that these books are starting to get published cannot wait to get the 4th and the 5th book For the story this has to be my favorite part of the story because it's the build up for the relationship and it is so cute plus There is a really funny scene in here And it makes me laugh shifters getting drunk is always funny. This book is not a waste of time definitely get it

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darn, the serialized form is killing me. My devouring side gets a proper lesson in patience and it spaces out the experience but darn, every part has some form of cliffhanger (partly probably to motivate us to continue reading) which is not helping my state of mind.

But I feel like I like this story more with each addition so there's that.

[k zink · Rating 2 out of 5]

loooove that there was a bomb scare because the bad guy knows who he is & then after it was a false alarm everyone acts like it’s not a problem anymore. hello??? can anyone hear me??????? also the contrived cliffhangers are soooo funny

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first and second volumes were a bit slow. I think the story really picks up here:)

[LOLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting for more.

[MacaroonHeather · Rating 4 out of 5]

they need to hurry up
everything is just, take too long to happened

[.Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was uneventful! At least we got to see their romance progress

[Manlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying all the early bits of the relationship plus getting to know other peeps. Loving the main character and how he's bringing others along with him on this journey.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

[Kyla Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fun, magical, quirky themes continue in this third book in the series. And we finally get a lil spiciness!!! Fun read - can recommend!!

[Alexander Casares · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm here for the fated mates troupe.

[Readbookswithcats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the story!! Getting prepared for all the other dragons, some making out, flying together, drunk king! ☺️

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can he stop calling him “boy”??

[Jamie Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dragon kings challenge by x. Aratare. This series has not gotten any better so that's enough for me. Thanks.