The Horde King of Shadow

Hordes of the Elthika #1

by Zoey Draven

The fearsome creature came from across Drukkar’s Sea…and there was a rider on its back.

As a scholar in Dothik’s library, Klara has spent her life trying to understand the strange dreams that have plagued her since she was a child—visions of dragons and a world with no written record. Rejected by her royal bloodline after her mother’s death, Klara hides her chilling secret, knowing her rare magic could get her killed.

But when a dragon suddenly appears in Dothik, those dreams become a monstrous reality.

Sarkin Dirak’zar, king of the Sarrothian horde, cares only about finding heartstones—the dwindling power source for their revered dragons. Ice-cold and merciless, the last thing Sarkin wants is a wife, especially a weak and unwanted princess who likely won’t last one night on dragonback. Yet the key to acquiring heartstones lies in Klara’s visions, and so he gives her a cruel marry him to save her people… or let Dothik burn.

Her first duty as queen? Claim a dragon of her own. What’s even more alarming is that unexpected desire begins to simmer with her beguiling but guarded husband...even though his barbed cage of a heart is only meant to keep her away.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Aliens, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2024

About the author

Zoey Draven has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Her love affair with the romance genre started with her grandmother's old Harlequin paperbacks and has continued ever since. As a Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, now she gets to write the happily-ever-afters—with a cosmic, otherworldly twist, of course!

When she's not writing, she's probably drinking one too many cups of coffee, hiking in the redwoods, or spending time with her family.

Sign-up for Zoey Draven's newsletter for new release announcements and bonus content: http://bit.ly/2lkn8M4

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Love Zoey Draven, especially her Horde Kings of Dakkar. I have read and re-read every book in that series multiple times. And I think I went into this book with my expectations a little too high. Because, even though I enjoyed it, I still finished it with a sense of disappointment for some reason.

Never fear though, as I'm pretty sure this will be one of those books I love upon re-read, once those expectations are no longer an issue. Cause this book has so much I love.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not fully describe the joy I had when starting this new Zoey Draven! The Horde King OG series has some fantastic romances and I am always excited when I can go for a visit. To be transported back to this world again is a special treat. Thought if you have never read the previous series, you won't be lost here. This is a ways down the timeline and while there are references to previous events, anything you need to know is reiterated for you.

This new world has DRAGONS! M*ther-effing DRAGONS! And we get to ride em and love em.

Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

Now, in this world, our Dragons, also called Elthika, need heartstones to remain powerful. King Sarkin of the Sarrothian horde learns that Klara, an unwanted princess of Dothik, is the key to finding them. So what does he do to get her to help him? Well, force her to marry him, of course!

Well actually, he does offer her a choice... She can marry him OR he can burn down her city. Totally fair choice, right?

So bookish and soft-spoken Klara finds herself being dragged from her beloved library and thrown onto a dragon's back with her surly new intended husband. Neither of them is to happy about this and they are off to a very rocky start.

And becoming a Queen of the Sarrothian comes with many challenges, including claiming her own dragon. Yeah, no big! Also, maybe convincing her surly husband that they can be more than tentative allies. The desire for each other quickly flares to life after their marriage ceremony, but can they find true companionship? For the sake of the Horde and the Elthika?

This was a truly thrilling, romantic, and beautiful story. I loved the rich characters, the clashing cultures, and the passionate kisses. This book had everything I'm looking for in a Zoey Draven. I feel like I really got to know the characters as they slowly revealed themselves to one another. I loved seeing Klara get her bearings in this new place and find her strength that she was never allowed to have before.

Also, I don't want to spoil too much about the dragons but they are EPIC. Sarkin's bonded dragon, Zaridan, was so special. When Sarkin was still mean and harsh, Zari made him just a little more likable and easier to take. Like a lot of Horde Kings, he definitely starts out almost cruel and it takes time to peel back his layers.

If you are a fan of dragons in Fantasy Romance, I would hold this one up to any others out there. I truly hope this book catches on with people because it is fucking EPIC. In fact, after writing this review... this book is making it onto my favorites of the year list. Because, Fuck It, why not?

6 stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Voluntary body modification (not on page), parental suicide (past, not on page), death of a parent
by murder (off page)

*Thank you to Zoey Draven for an ARC of this title.*

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up because the ending is so strong. For me personally, this book didn’t hit its stride until the second half. Something wasn’t working right for me in the introduction of the new world to the h, the reservedness of the H, and the unbalance that existed between them. But the h persevered, the H does open up, and it all comes together eventually in a way that resonated well with me. Trigger warnings for mention of parental loss, recollections of losing someone to a terminal illness, and some deaths.

Written in first person, dual POV. No om drama, not really ow drama but h does feel threatened at first by a woman in the H’s band of dragon riders who he was previously romantic with. The H is quick to be offended since his people do not stray or break marriage vows, but h comes from a situation where those vows were broken so her fears are understandable. H is experienced and there are tiny mentions here and there of how he was with past lovers that didn’t really bother me. The h is inexperienced by choice.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Royalty
☆ Sci-fi that feels more fantasy
☆ FMC has visions and is marked
☆ MMC doesn’t like to talk about the important stuff
☆ Coerced marriage
☆ Dragons and dragon riders
☆ World building that includes a glossary
☆ Having to prove yourself
☆ Lots and lots of heights/falling and facing fear of these
☆ A sense of destiny and fate

Klara (h) is royalty, but as a child of infidelity, has never found the proper place in her father’s palace. She does have a place with her older brother at least. She works in the archive, has visions that have physically marked her, and tries to stay out of the way of a group of priestesses for reasons that we don’t fully understand until later in the book. Klara is more resilient and stronger than she first appears though and she’s about to get a unique way to learn and show that. Klara’s people are a mix of natives to the planet, humans, and mixed genetics. They thought they were alone for some reason, until they start seeing dragons and dragon riders sporadically. When the time comes that they typically show up, it goes a little differently. The dragon riders have demands, one specifically demands that Klara marry him…or else.

Sarkin (H) is a conflicted dude. He carries the weight of responsibility, alongside a mysterious weight of past wounds, that we get hints of but not the complete depths until later. His people have known of Klara’s for a long time, have been studying them, and they need something. Something that Sarkin is planning on using Klara for. How Sarkin is set up initially is not my favorite kind of mix of themes for a H. He’s often described as intense, angry, and he comes off feeling unsupportive despite him forcing Klara’s hand and her trying to do her best. In his POV, we know that he has self-loathing for some of the scenes where she’s obviously lost because he just won’t take the time to explain, but Klara doesn’t get to know this. Once he warms up, I enjoyed his character immensely, but early Sarkin made me want to throat punch him.

The world-building frustrated me initially because of details like words not being in the glossary or details mentioned but not explained until the next time they’re brought up. I’ve only read one of this author’s prior Horde King books from the series that takes place significantly before this one on the timeline. This book does stand alone, however it references aspects of the culture and the history that took place in that prior series and I wonder if I had read more of them, if I would have felt more of a connection to the layering of this new people and culture on top of the previous.

I am a sucker for character growth and Klara GROWS. It takes time, but she kicks ass and even when she ends up mired in self-doubt or fears, she does rise. Because Sarkin is the leader of his people, his wife must bond with a dragon, so Klara ends up on a fast track of training to prepare for a sometimes deadly possible dragon claiming. She’s also fully aware that Sarkin’s hoping that her visions lead his people to a magic source as the whole planet is in danger of losing said sources. That plot-line felt like it wasn’t as developed initially but, like other things, worked better as the story went.

To address the large being that I haven’t talked about enough yet - yes the dragons play a crucial role throughout the story. They were so cool and the world-building surrounding them was done very well. It was fascinating. Sarkin’s dragon is awesome. The hints at another dragon who’s important are beyond obvious, but I still liked how everything unspooled on page.

Romance-wise, this is slow build to them becoming a unit and a genuine relationship forming. Spicy times do start before the 50% mark if I recall correctly and they’re helped along for their first time. Then, despite some awkwardness and feelings because of those events, they continue to get steamy a plentiful amount. I normally prefer my relationships in books to be more secure before the steam gains a full head, however I did actually like that Klara and Sarkin found that aspect of their marriage grounding at times when other parts felt out of control. The emotional intimacy takes longer and Klara is able to be vulnerable way before Sarkin. When Sarkin is vulnerable though, man it felt special. Then when Klara becomes his vulnerability, whew.

The ending of the book, as I said at the start, just blew me away. The way pieces clicked together and plot lines tied up, with some dangling a bit since this is the first in the series. Then the epilogue that shows them in their HEA and deeply in love. I’m glad that I picked this up. I’ll definitely be reading reviews for subsequent books first though given how my feelings at the start weren’t as strong.

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked Fourth Wing, but were looking for it to feel more adult, this is that book.

I already loved the first series, The Horde Kings, by Zoey and I was hoping this would have the same magic and it DELIVERS plus some. It’s like we added an expansion pack to the game board and gained dragons 💘

Klara accepts an arranged marriage in order to maintain peace between the two kingdoms and, even though she enters the agreement with the obvious disadvantage, she quickly adapts and brings that man to his knees. The pining, the romance under a meteor shower, the way he’s scared to death while she’s training to tame a dragon…I loved it all.

**the author provided me with an arc, all opinions are my own

Lots of q’s in my DM’s about whether you have to read the first series: you could totally start here. This book takes place 200 years after the events in The Horde Kings. “The five” are referenced, aka the original MC’s, and it will spoil the ending of that series. However, she crosses the water to a new land and we go through new world-building so you could start here.

[⋆.˚dak ☾ .⭒˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆ “𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝒶𝒸𝓇𝑜𝓈𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝓊𝓀𝓀𝒶𝓇’𝓈 𝓈𝑒𝒶 … 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉𝓈 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀” 📚 🐉 💭 ♥️

*𝐓𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘* this right here!! so fucking good👏🏻👏🏻

the romance, the spice, the adventure in this was perfect OH AND DRAGONS?? i am obsessed

⋆.˚ 𝙏𝙤 𝙛𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 ·⁀ ༄.° ₊⭒˚｡⋆

we follow 𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚊 (an unwanted princess) and 𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗 (a dragon rider + king) in a marriage of convenience (very much forced hehe😆)
the world was so interesting and the plot had me hooked

the character development we get from 𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚊 *chef’s kiss* love her. 𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗 🤭🥵 yup!!!! mhm. the way we watch this rough broody man learn to be gentle for our girl 𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚊 absolutely!!! my heart might just explode ✨𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞✨

જ⁀➴ 𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓵𝔂𝓮 ～♡

that ending ahhhh 🥹💓

but yeah safe to say i will be running to another zoey draven book soon after this!! a new fav author possibly 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐲𝐞𝐬 🙂‍↕️🤏🏻

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Zoey Draven series set in the same world as her Horde Kings of Dakkar series but 200 years in the future? With dragons? Yes please! There was so much that worked in this book. From the world building, to the characters, the plot and of course, the dragons.

The rich history of her other series was beautifully woven into this book. It was nice seeing the past character viewed in such a revered light. On top of that, was the added history of this new continent where the dragons came from. This story was packed with history, world building and plot. I also appreciated how this author decided to play a bit more into the magical potential of this world. There was so much she expanded on that gave this book a more fantasy feel. There are dragons after all!

I loved Klara and Sarkin. Although sometimes Sarkin got on my nerves with his hypocrisy, Klara wasn’t afraid to call him out. They actually balanced each other really well. They knew when to push and when to comfort. They came from two completely different cultures, and it was fun seeing how they learned from each other. This was a slower burn with some resistance to attraction. Sarkin never wanted to marry but believed there was a sign to marry Klara, and Klara first viewed him as the villain. So there was a lot of denying feelings and all the good stuff that comes with it! I also loved how determined Klara was to prove everyone wrong. It’s one of my favourite character tropes when everyone underestimates the MC.

I must take a moment for the dragons! They were so cool! I liked how we learned a bit about them but there was still a mystery about them. They exuded badass vibes. How the riders go about choosing their dragon and vide versa was interesting. It reminded me of Avatar. I also liked how they were respected and viewed as allies rather than pets for them to control.

If you like any of Draven’s past books, I think you’ll love this one. This story has whatever magic she puts in all of her books plus dragons and magic and so much lore. There’s forced marriage, strangers to reluctant lovers, strong characters, dragons, smut, and more dragons, and more smut, and what seems to be an overarching plot that will carry on in the next books.

[readabookonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am jealous of future me who doesn’t have to wait for the release of the rest of the series

MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Klara of Rath Serok and Rath Drokka (mid-20s?) | Sarkin Dirak’zar (?)

FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance
∘ dragons
∘ forced/political marriage
∘ fated mates (sort of)

REVIEW
The first book of a series, especially a fantasy series, has to be one of the hardest to write. There is so much information to introduce to the reader that they have to know to fully immerse themselves into the world you create.

Unfortunately, as a reader, this can sometimes slow the progression of the novel.

I was in this for the romance between Klara and Sarkin. While I love a good slowburn, at times it felt a little too slow. And then sudden. I adored them as a couple, but there was some missing meat there.

The dynamics of the Elthika (dragons) were so interesting that I genuinely would read a book solely about their interactions. Their personalities were just as fleshed out as the Dakkari and Karag characters.

The callbacks to the Horde Kings and their brides were some of the best parts of the novel. I suppose this was a love letter and farewell to them, which was bittersweet but necessary.

I look forward to future novels in the series. Even a Zoey Draven book I feel conflicted about is one worth reading.

OW/OM DRAMA not really OW — Lara gets jealous/suspicious of Sarkin’s former partner, but absolutely nothing is going on.
CHEATING no
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue

POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: forced marriage, forced proximity
Angst: 😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

ALL the stars! The Horde King of Shadow is the first book in a new series by Zoey Draven set 200 years in the future from her previous Horde King series. Klara, the bastard child of the current king, aims to stay unseen, conduct her research, and live as quietly as possible. All that changes in a flash when she bumps into one of the dragon rider envoys from Sarroth. In the blink of an eye, her life is completely uprooted, and she's flying off to an uncertain future with Sarkin Dirak'zar, her soon-to-be husband.

Just wow! Zoey completely blew me away once again with this epic tale of action, adventure, vindication, and love. The storytelling and writing are brilliant; it's definitely an entertaining page-turner that easily held my attention to the end. The world-building is fantastic. You can truly see the image she paints with her words. I love how the lore is interwoven into her previous Horde books. The Horde King of Shadow is easily a standalone, but Zoey fans will undoubtedly appreciate all the tiebacks to the original series!

What truly makes this book stand out is the character development. They just draw you in. These are intricate characters with complex pasts and motivations concurrently driving them together and pushing them away from each other. Sarkin is a King trying to save his people while redeeming his family's name, and everything seems to be riding on this little slip of a half-human girl. Klara is being thrown way out of her comfort zone of books and research but hopes to find answers to dreams plaguing her for years, all while proving she's more than she first appears. Their chemistry is almost tangible—a slow burn with a crackle and tons of sparks. Their journey toward happiness is filled with bumps and more than a few bruises along the way.

The Horde King of Shadow is a genuinely epic story and will be going in my best of 2024 pile! You won't be disappointed!

[↬ Ⓛ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ya, this was a major letdown… I’m not surprised tho bc her books have gone down hill since she finished horde kings.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am, to my core, a Horde Kings super fan. I’ve read and reread each book, and they all hold a special place in my heart. So expanding the lore of this world? I’m on board. I’m strapped in. Bring it on.

I don’t think the Horde King of Shadow is a horde king novel. Not really. Because to me, ‘horde king’ is strictly a Dakkari name. It makes no sense to introduce an entirely new culture, built on entirely different language and customs, but STILL for some reason call their leaders horde kings. Especially when you consider the title of ‘horde king’ comes from a Dakkari word (Vorrakar). If the Karag people don’t use any Dakkari history/language/religion/etc, why would they ever adopt the same title for their leaders? It just seems like naming this HKOS is trying to capitalize off the previous series, when it should be able to stand alone.

But it’s not the title that really bothers me. It’s the strange plotting of this book that has me scratching my head. We’ve retconned the Big Bad Red Mist that nearly destroyed everyone in the first series. Suddenly, it’s not the rage of a goddess that brought this mist into the world. It was just…exhaled by a dragon? And the dragon can also suck the mist back up like a vacuum…for some reason?

Also, we’re still. Dealing. With. Heartstones. We’ve had SIX books about these rocks, and they’re back, baby. Everybody wants them, but so far, they’ve only grown on Dakkari soil. You’d think this would give them some negotiating power, but you’d be wrong. The hero of this story at one point literally says “we will leave here with exactly what we want”, so…yay for oligarchy I guess. When the Dakkar royals ask for dragons in exchange for the heartstones, they’re laughed out of the room.

Which brings up my next point:

If these dragons are supposedly more intelligent than all the other races on the planet, how has not ONE of them flown over the sea? You’re telling me not a single dragon has ever been spotted, even though they’ve existed on this planet for as long as any other race? If horde kings can migrate across the sea, why can’t dragons? (Except for the one that spread the Big Bad Red Mist over a mountain, which was never explained in the first place).

And to that point: It’s been established that Dakkar exists within the ZDCU (Zoey Draven Cinematic Universe), so how have spaceships flown through this planet’s atmosphere (and they HAVE, because they’ve brought humans to Dakkar and rations afterwards), never seen the giant fucking dragons flying around? No one has tried to colonize that place and discovered there were DRAGONS?

Also, there were a lot of mistakes in this book. A lot. At one point a character’s name was misspelled. That’s wild.

The only reason I’m frustrated is because I care. I want this series to be just as good as the horde kings, or the Kylorr. I want it to be even better. I was ready to immerse myself into a new adventure. And it wasn’t all bad. Not at all. But when the major issues eclipse the general enjoyment, it’s worth mentioning.

Will I be keeping up with this series? Of course. I’d read Zoey Draven’s grocery lists. But this is the first time I’ll be going in with a guard up, and that’s unfortunate.

[Dani ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The fearsome creature came from across Drukkar’s Sea… And there was a rider on its back.”

Outcast by her royal bloodline, Klara hides in Dothik’s archives, researching the lost history of Dakkar. Haunted by dreams of winged beasts and premonitions, she knows the ancient magic she harbors must remain hidden. When dragons descend from across Drukkar's Sea, they bring with them Sarkin Dirak’zar, the ruthless King of the Sarrothian Horde, who gives Klara an ultimatum: marry him or watch Dothik burn. As desire and danger collide, both must face their vulnerabilities to survive.

“And I knew then… this was how the Karag saw us. Mere specks. How could they not on the backs of their mighty dragons?”

Riveting, adventurous, and deeply romantic, Horde King of Shadow is the first book in Zoey Draven’s new Hordes of Elthika series, and this time, we’re going beyond Drukkar’s Sea! The storytelling is phenomenal, but the biggest shining stars of this book are Klara and Sarkin—complex, flawed, and magnetic. Their push-and-pull dynamic builds into a romance that is as hard-earned as it is satisfying, filled with challenges that make their love story all the more rewarding. I love when characters work for their happy ending—it makes it all the more satisfying.

As always, Zoey Draven’s world-building is masterful. The story, set 200 years after the defeat of the Red Fog, can be read as a standalone, but to fully immerse yourself in the world, I would recommend reading the Horde Kings of Dakkar series first. There are so many cleverly placed Easter eggs and references, and I was literally squealing every time the OG couples were mentioned (seriously, my Kindle notes are filled with “AHHH!!”).

“This was power, I realised. Not to control a creature that could decimate an entire civilisation. But to ride with one. To bond with one. To feel that power and trust they would not use it against you.”

Dragons might be a fantasy staple, but Zoey Draven has made them magical again. The Elthika are untamed, powerful, and deeply bonded with their riders, adding risk, danger, and emotional stakes to the story. They reminded me of the dragons from Game of Thrones—wild, free, and fiercely loyal, but with their own unique lore.

Klara’s journey of growth is stunning. Outcast and isolated, her loneliness is palpable, but her courage and determination to claim her place among the Serrothians are inspiring. Her tenacity and vulnerability show that true strength comes from embracing both. Klara is a QUEEN in every sense of the word, and watching her rise left me an emotional mess.

And Sarkin? Ugh, he’s the ultimate book boyfriend. Cold, no-nonsense, and focused on his mission, Sarkin starts as a hardened warrior but slowly reveals his vulnerable side as Klara chips away at his walls. Watching them heal each other’s wounds and build a partnership rooted in respect and trust was deeply satisfying.

Zoey Draven balances fantasy and romance perfectly, making Horde King of Shadow a must-read for romantasy lovers! You’ll laugh, cry, blush (those steamy scenes!), and gasp at the twists in this addictive story. And what's better than waking up to a new book on your Kindle?? Pre-order now for 26th November, because you do not want to miss this ride.

Thank you to Zoey and team for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!❤️
________________________________

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I GOT THE ARC AND I’M ECSTATIC. 😭❤️

Wasting no time and diving back into the world of Dakkar. 😍🐉

See you on the flip side!

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just 1 chapter in and I already knew this was going to be one of my favourite book of the year! And I’ve a feeling that my review isn’t going to do justice for how much I enjoyed it!

As one of my most anticipated books, this was epic. I loved it so much and can’t wait to reread.

I would love to start with Klara as her journey from an unwanted, illegitimate princess to Sorrina (Queen) was impressive! She stole my heart with her bravery and kind heart.

Sarkin was deliciously Alpha and arrogant. Well, he does have reasons to be because despite coming from a humble background he became Karath (King) of a prominent territory and claimed an Elthika (dragon) that is powerful, unique and magnificent. His initial reluctance toward Klara just added that much sweetness when he fell hard for her. He was such a sweetheart towards her when she was heartbroken.

I loved that the dragons had that much important role as any other secondary characters. In many books they are just used as props but Zoey utilised their potential to the end. I was fascinated and utterly gone for them.

It was so fascinating to read the connection between Horde of Dakkar series and this one. How the tales of dakkari was interwoven and added to this. Hats off for the solid connection and plot.

There are so many utterly beautiful scenes. I could visualise them and the picture was fantastic.

Just go and read this book- thats all.

🐉Marriage of convenience.
🐉Spin off and could be read as standalone.
🐉KU, Safe and recommended.

I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tamz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve loved Zoey Draven’s books but I was a little disappointed in this one. I knew from the first few pages that this was going to be a struggle to read as I kept putting the book down and picking it up again thinking I would get into it but I never really did. (I usually devour her books in a few hours, so stretching this out to three long days was telling).

I didn’t feel anything for the MCs and I didn’t believe their romance. The constant focus of the FMC on the lost hordes was not really interesting to me (I didn’t feel or understand the importance about this) but I’m thinking it must play a part in subsequent books in the series, otherwise it was a lot of wasted words. I also didn’t get the whole plot about the heartstones either. Maybe being the first in the series is the problem as the author is trying to expand on a world so the romance got a little lost (but the first Horde King book was my favourite of that series). Hoping the second book flows more naturally since the info dump has already happened.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series so understandably, there was a lot of world building. I think it would help a lot to be familiar with the other Horde series (I've read most of them but have a few left) so I knew some of the referenced history. Ms. Draven writes beautifully and so creatively you know a lot of thought and effort went into this story.

With that being said, I almost felt like the primary intent of this first in series is to establish the world and history, making Klara and Sarkin's story secondary. Of course that might not really be the goal, but I guess I wanted more interaction and dialogue between the two. They grew together and their relationship developed, but I didn't feel their connection relative to some of her other couples.

Still, very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 57% and I am so sorry but It was not what I expected from Zoey Draven.

I can’t believe I was so excited for this book to dnf it in the end.

There’s no connection no feelings no passion no fire n nothing between the characters and I mean all characters in this book.

There is nothing happening just plain boring.
Ugh !!!!
I’m shocked that I’m not interested what’s happening at the last 40%

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 5 stars

“To fly was to unleash oneself, untethered to the world.”

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 423 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Zoey Draven
⏳ 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: series (official number unknown)
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: independently published
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 26 November 2024

What you can expect:
— Adult Science Fiction Fantasy Romance
— First-Person X Dual POV
— Enemies-To-Lovers
— Marriage Of Convenience
— Slow-Burn Romance
— Forced Proximity
— Dragon Riders X Magical Dragon Bonds
— Grumpy X Sunshine
— Nicknames

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content, voluntary body modification for dragon riding (discussed), parental death by suicide (past, discussed), loss & grief, war elements (past, discussed).

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
The Horde King of Shadow is the first instalment in the new Hordes of the Elthika series by author Zoey Draven. Having only read a few books by Draven and a keen thirst for more... it's easy to say that The Horde King of Shadow is my favourite story to date by this author. With its steady and consistent pacing that felt neither slow nor rushed, I found it easy to quickly feel immersed into the tale unfolding before my very eyes with a hesitancy to put my kindle down. I was immediately enraptured by the emotionally-driven character interactions as we are granted an intimate insight into the strengths and vulnerabilities of our two main characters. The expansive lore of the world provided an immersive experience that was a joy to follow as we slowly learn the history of its inhabitants and the fearsome dragons that stand apart on their own. The world is easy to understand and can be read as a standalone, however for the most immersive and knowledgeable experience it is recommended to read the Horde Kings of Dakkar series which takes place 200 years prior to the events of this book. Also I can't begin to explain the relief that I felt to see a small yet significant language glossary provided at the beginning of the book. It made the character interactions more fun to follow as you read their dialogue and then flick back to understand it in its full context. More language glossary in books, please!

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
The thrilling prologue in The Horde King of Shadow immediately gripped my interest and left me feeling intrigued over the lore of the story. The introductions of the Elthika was an exciting concept and I was eager to learn how this unique take on dragons would impact the plot and the world that we reside in. I was thrilled to see that the Elthika are their own autonomous beings with their own politics and moral code to live by. I was initially concerned that the dragons would simply exist on the side with very little exploration. However this concern was swiftly eased as I realised that they were characters within their own right steeped within a rich history of their own and intriguing lore that largely contributed to the ongoing plot. As a direct descent of great Dakkar royalty... Klara should be revered for her bloodline and contribution for her people as a member of the royal family. Instead she is an deemed an embarrassment and shame to her people and family as the illegitimate child of a love affair which ended in tragedy. To avoid the ridicule and mockery Klara found solace in her books and in her thirst for knowledge. She’s taken a particular interest in their long lost history as there seems to be missing gaps that Klara desperately wishes to discover and fill. When a long-lost magic awakens within her as a child and Klara finds herself plagued by visions of the fearsome creatures that inspire fear and uncertainty within her people, Klara is more determined than ever to find the answers to the questions she so desperately seeks. The last thing she expected was for the path of enlightenment to find her moving away from the home she has come to know, betrothed to the King of the Sarrothian horde and rider of dragons. The plot follows Klara as she finds herself thrust into unfamiliar territory surrounded by more distrust and disbelief despite being the key to the survival of the Sarrothian people. I loved seeing Klara's determination to win over the people that she would soon rule over and call her own, and getting to see how her character evolved as a result. I love how the plot progressed steadily without feeling rushed as it was clearly building with a purpose. I felt content as this isn’t a story that needed shocking twists and turns to keep me engaged as it was instead seeped in emotional development. The plot itself presented high stakes without feeling overbearing or emotionally draining, and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that The Horde King of Shadow took me on.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Klara is a young woman who has known hardship and exclusion due to the origins of her birth that are no fault of her own... and yet it is she alone who is forced to bare the burden. I felt so bad for her as she is clearly an emphatic and compassionate young woman who has spent all of her life yearning for the acceptance and approval of her peers. Klara is intelligent and studious with a great passion for learning the knowledge of her world and its near-forgotten history. She cherishes knowledge and finds great joy in circumstances where she is granted the opportunity to experience and grow. This quickly becomes a great asset to her character as it becomes Klara's greatest drive and source of determination when she finds herself surrounded by the unknown and a community of people that would gladly see her fail. Klara holds her failures personally and often puts too much pressure upon her own shoulders to reach success without struggle. Her emotional vulnerabilities were refreshing to see as this greatly added to her character growth as the storyline progressed. I absolutely adored Klara as a character because she is somebody that is easy to relate to as a reader. Klara feels her emotions deeply and often struggles with vocalising her needs and wants, however I was really proud of her growth within this aspect over time as she found the support of her friends. Her softness was refreshing to read as it made her a comfort to follow in her point-of-view without derailing from her inner strength. Seeing Klara come into herself and recognise her strengths was the greatest reward within her journey, and I loved seeing her discover the power of her voice and demand what is hers by right. Her ability to love fiercely and proudly makes her an easy character to love, and overall I was really proud of the woman that Klara becomes by the end of the story. She's definitely one of my top Draven female main characters to date and I'm very much looking forward to reading the bonus epilogue which will be included at the end of the finalised book upon release.

Sarkin Dirak'zar is a fearsome King who has spent years of his life earning the respect and acceptance of his people. As a people who do not determine their reigning monarch by blood; Sarkin earned his position despite all odds stacked against him after being raised in a modest farming family. After spending many years living in the shadows of a legacy that was no fault of his own and yet his responsibility to bear, Sarkin lives his life without emotional attachment and prefers to keep people at as much distance he can get away with. Learning the origins of his life and the reasoning behind the way he lives as a character was more heart-breaking then I expected it to be. At his core, Sarkin is a deeply broken boy to grew into an equally broken man. In spite of this Sarkin strives to be a fair and just leader to his people which made me feeling nothing but respect and admiration for his strength and inner goodness. Seeing him struggle to lower his long-established emotional walls and be vulnerable with his wife felt really emotionally compelling, however I was really proud of his character for continually trying despite how much of a struggle it was. Sarkin's inner softness and keenness to serve was a beautiful contrast to his brutal leadership persona. I adore how he is more than just one singular thing and takes us on a journey of accepting the complexities that make up who he is as a character. He definitely left me swooning during his intimate moments and I'm utterly obsessed with the man, husband and partner that Sarkin grew to be. Seeing the development of his emotional ties made it a riveting and giddy experience when we finally see Sarkin accept where his life would ultimately end up despite how fiercely he tried to fight against his own feelings and instincts. His companionship and bond with his Elthika was such a highlight to his character for me on my reading journey. I adored the unwavering trust and faith that Sarkin put into that bond, and it really showed the potential that he had to grow into when he furthered that trust and loyalty as a husband. I have too many book husbands at this point but I'm gladly adding Sarkin Dirak'zar to my ever growing list.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Upon their first meeting it becomes apparent that there is undeniable chemistry between Klara and Sarkin... ever if it is initially hate at first sight. Marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers is the unmatched trope combination that can do no wrong and I will not allow the opinion of anything otherwise. The fake indifference paired with yearning and attraction? This makes me feel infinitely giddy every single time and this was no different in The Horde King of Shadow. Both Klara and Sarkin have endured much pain and tragedy throughout their short lives and it was beautiful to watch them grow and heal as a couple and also independently. Whilst they relied on one another quite frequently they never once appeared to be co-dependent in a toxic manner. Klara and Sarkin chose growth and to adapt together whilst leaving enough space for independent potential which was so refreshing to see. Neither wanted to smother the other and it just created a beautifully warm and healthy relationship dynamic. My favourite aspect of their growth for me was the emphasis and importance of communication. Whilst this doesn't inititally come easily to both Klara and Sarkin, both quickly realise that the success of their marriage will heavily depend on openness and honesty. Seeing them work so tirelessly to create an emotionally safe space within their relationship nearly brought tears to my eyes, and in the end I felt nothing but genuine pride for the partner and companion that they become for one another. Klara and Sarkin have my very heart and soul who are now one of my all-time favourite book couples, and already I'm craving the bonus epilogue that will be available upon the book release. I miss them already.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
To say that I'm officially obsessed with The Horde King of Shadow is a complete understatement. I'm so excited to continue to explore the world as the series progresses with every new instalment... and I'm feeling very hopeful that a certain character introduced nearer the end of the story will be one of the characters that we centred around in a future instalment. There is a lot of lore and world-building potential to be explored so I'm keen to where where it will all lead in the second instalment. The independence and history surrounding the Elthika are a great intrigue of mine, and it's fair to say that they are one of my favourite interpretations of dragons to date.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

The 'Horde Kings of the Elthika' series:
1. The Horde King of Shadow - 5 stars
2. The Cursed Horde King - 5 stars

[Izzie d · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really good.
It is a standalone with hints at possible future stories.
Dual POV.
HEA, in sense you could see the couple in other people's books but they are happy.

Heroine is a scholar type book worm. She has issues with her home life with her family.
Hero is very focused on his role as leader and his quest for heart stones to save the future of his people.

Both have secrets and it is sort of slow burn, getting to know each other especially as there is mistrust.
Their cultures are very different, often opposite in views so this adds to their challenges.

Very small other woman drama, nothing really just a previous partner crosses paths.
Heroine is a virgin.
No interest in anyone else. He says he will be faithful to his vows.

Lots of places, names of customs and nations, there is a glossary.
Lots of references to history which is a previous series by the author, this book is based I think 200 years later.

HEA.
Epilogue.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

New world, same great characters and plot.

I love that this is set 200 years after the Horde king series and how important THAT storyline is to the “current” day story.

Maybe it was the dragon but Sarkin gave me Xaden vibes. But like if you removed all the annoying parts of xaden and made him a good character? It was definitely a slower burn than some of the other Horde king books, but needed. I can’t wait to keep reading this series.

You can definitely read this without having read the previous Horde King series, but you will be doing yourself a disservice to some degree. It’s filled with so many references back and it’s comforting as a reader to see the story you loved still alive in another world.

I say this like almost every week in my social media. You’re missing out if you haven’t read Zoey’s backlist.

I’ve read a LOT of books, a lot of fantasy romance and sci fi romance, and these are top tier.

I received an ARC for this review, but I’d have written it regardless 😂

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, I couldn’t connect with the MCs especially the H. The h wanted to please the H in exchange of her home’s safety. (The H threatened to kill them if she didn’t come with him.) The h had to learn how to ride a dragon, find more heart stones, bond with a dragon, become stronger, etc.) It felt one sided. On top of the that, the H was cold towards the h making her feel less worthy of being his ‘queen’. 🫤

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

"What is there to fear, Klara? I will always catch you."

Zoey Draven's best work, hands down. I've read most of ZD's backlist, and I ADORED her Horde King series, so I was so excited when I heard she was taking us back to Dakkar! I think she did a really good job here of having it be a connected series, but also have it able to stand on it's own. You definitely don't have to read the Horde Kings but they are name dropped here as historical stories and legends, as this new series is set some 200 years later.

This was a marriage of convenience between Elthika rider Sarkin and Klara, and they were SO CUTE. Sarkin is a rough-around-the-edges type, he has to be tough and strong to be seen as a good ruler and leader of his people. He's not used to creature comforts, and doesn't know how to be gentle with Klara at first. I absolutely LOVED getting to see him slowly learn how to though! Like he takes care of her, helps train her so she can be a queen at his side

I will say, I found the world building a bit confusing. We are taken to new continents in Dakkar, with new kingdoms and peoples and there were a LOT of names being thrown around, and Klara's people used different names as well. Like Sarkin was the king of the Sarrothian people, who are also Karag? But then also Karak? But then his rider hoard lives not in Sarrothia, but on a different continent? A map would've been VERY helpful here

[Lia Angelidou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting exactly but it wasn’t this for sure. I was a bit disappointed, mostly because other than the Elthika, the new nation and culture was underwhelming and kind of boring. Dakkari were by far much more interesting as a race and this was lost in the new series.
Anyway, it’s not that I didn’t enjoy it but I was expecting something more.

[meggthereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am that we not only are getting another series from Zoey, but we are still in the same world of Dakkar from Theresa Horde Kings of Dakkar. I was not ready to give up that series or that world just yet, and even though we are hundreds of years in the future, it still feels the same. But in this world, WE HAVE DRAGONS PEOPLE.

After this book, I already know this series is going to be top tier. And nothing is more top tier, than a hot alien king, demanding the FMCs hand in marriage or watch her people burn. Like of course sis is going to grab that dusty(iykyk) hand REAL quick. Especially Sarkin Dirak'zar? He wouldn’t have even needed to finish the words coming out of his pretty mouth, I already would have been on the back of that dragon real quick. He could ask me to do his wash and I would start barking.

I loved Klara so much, she was such a badass. She had so much thrown at her in life and she was still so unapologetically herself and refused to give up and show weakness. I also love how we still are hearing about past characters and how they are still integrated in this story as well. I don’t want to give away too much but if you read the last series, this one is an absolute MUST. I seriously loved this story and this word so much. I honestly cannot wait to see where this series goes because if it is anything like The Horde Kings of Dakkar, which I know in my bones it will, I am so beyond excited.

[TrippyBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

To absolutely nobody’s surprise i loved this horde king spinoff with dragons, broody horde King & great character development.

I love How Zoey ties this story to the characters we love so much but somehow continues to write a fresh love story that grips you from the start. She really knows how to make you feel what the characters feel. I love the bits of longing, jealousy and how Klara had to fight for her place in this horde. Nothing was given to her easily & she yearns to learn about history and the world which makes u love her more as a character.

Sn: Will add more to review later probably.

[Silvy (silvylinings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

screaming, crying eternally because i’ll never marriage-of-convenience my way out of scholardom straight into the arms of a hot dragon riding king who steals me away to a secret kingdom and enrolls me in dragon riding classes.

i would trade my first born, a kidney, and my original print fourth wing hardback with the dragon edges (because this dragon book is a thousand times better anyway there i said it!!!!!!) for a chance. ALL OF MY EARTHLY POSSESSIONS.

y’all zoey draven is a talent. a wizard. a genius. her original horde king series was fun and spicy and a bit dark, with khal drogo vibes for the nomadic alien-horse-rising species on a dry, desert planet. but this spin-off takes place hundreds of years in the future on a secret continent that nobody in the original series knew about. and they have dragons. so basically this is like what would have happened if khal drogo and daenerys targaryen had a bunch of dragon-riding babies and resuscitated the targaryen empire from the ashes of dragonstone.

it’s so GOOD. i didn’t know i could love anything more than a pyroki but the elthika are infinitely cooler, i fear.

while this story builds on lore introduced in the original horde king interconnected series, you don’t have to read them first to be able to jump into this one. knowing what heartstones are and having intimate knowledge of who klara’s ancestors are made this a more emotional read for me, but it just as easily stands on its own.

the story here centers on klara – an unassuming, scarred scholar spare-heir princess related to two legendary warrior queens accepts a marriage proposal from a dragon-riding king from a mysterious kingdom across the sea. his intent? to learn where the heartstones are from klara’s visions in order to save his people. her intent? to save her kingdom from being destroyed by the dragons and to learn more about what lies across the sea.

i devoured this, literally, borderline in one sitting. i forced myself to stop so i could spread out my enjoyment over another day and i’m foaming at the mouth for more in this world. it’s spicy, it’s exciting, it’s emotional (TW for recounted parent death), and it’s a strong start to a new series that’ll have me slamming the preorder button for every subsequent release.

pick this one up when it releases next week if you also agree that khal drogo would be even hotter astride a dragon.

a thousand kakkira vors to zoey and naomi for the chance to read an ARC for this! i'm in LOVE with sarkin and klara but i'm pumped to see what the dragon king of grym might bring to the table next.........

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate]]

First of all, as always, I'm grateful for the ARC - no matter how many years I've been blogging (six and a half, now!) it's always something I appreciate.

Unfortunately, I just didn't feel this one. I slogged my way to about 30%, and the beginning was definitely good - we have our heroine growing up as a maligned, illegitimate member of the ruling family, until she's borne away by a race of dragon-riding enemies from across the sea. She's even the mate of their leader, something he's determined not to let soften him.

So the setup is decent and all, but somehow I just couldn't feel any chemistry between the MCs. Partly it's that I'm never a fan of 'you're my fated mate but I'm going to fight it for X reason' in my heroes. It may also be because I've been undergoing a general book slump in my reading. Whatever the reason, I pulled the plug, but I'll definitely be back for future installments.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a problem with this book. The h had to do ALL of the work in this relationship. The entire burden was on her. She had to do the training, the negotiating, the understanding, locate the heart stones, prove herself to his people, have all the patience… I was exhausted for her. I really didn’t see what she got out of all of it except an awesome dragon. The H wasn’t much of a catch. He rarely defended her and seemed passive in the relationship.

The world building was good though.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons, Destiny, and a Reluctant Horde King



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚🩷
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😉😎😛
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Full Cast Duet Narration

Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary

Two hundred years after the events from The Throne of the Horde King, Klara is the daughter of the Dothikar, and a scholar working in Dothik’s vast library, dedicating her life to understanding the strange dreams that have haunted her since childhood. Those dreams feature dragons, forgotten histories, and a mysterious power she keeps hidden because her royal family has already rejected her after her mother’s death. Klara is intelligent, curious, and deeply lonely, finding comfort in books rather than court politics. When a dragon suddenly appears in Dothik, she discovers that her visions are not fantasies but fragments of a larger truth.

Sarkin Dirak’zar is the king of the Sarrothian horde, a ruthless ruler focused on securing heartstones, the precious resource that sustains his people’s dragons. Sarkin initially comes across as cold, pragmatic, and emotionally guarded. When he learns that Klara’s visions may help him find the heartstones, he offers her a brutal ultimatum: marry him and aid his quest or watch her homeland suffer the consequences.

The story combines an arranged marriage, political alliance, dragon riding, and a slow-burn romance. Much of the plot centers on Klara’s adjustment to life among the Sarrothians, her efforts to claim and ride a dragon, and the gradual unraveling of the mysteries surrounding her dreams and magic. While the romance develops steadily, the larger fantasy elements and dragon lore play an equally important role in moving the story forward.

Highlights and Limitations

The strongest aspect of the novel is its world building. Zoey Draven successfully expands beyond the familiar Horde Kings setting and creates a society built around dragons, ancient history, and fading magical resources. The dragon-riding sequences are detailed and immersive, particularly Klara’s struggle to earn her place among experienced riders. Rather than becoming skilled overnight, she faces physical pain, self-doubt, and repeated setbacks.

Klara herself is an appealing heroine because her strengths come from knowledge and determination rather than combat ability. Her background as a scholar allows her to contribute meaningfully to the plot, especially when uncovering clues connected to the dragons and heartstones. Sarkin’s appeal lies in his restraint. He is not immediately transformed by love, and his gradual shift from seeing Klara as a political necessity to valuing her as a partner feels believable.

The romance is strongest in the quieter moments. Small acts of care, growing trust, and mutual respect often carry more weight than the intimate scenes. Sarkin’s protectiveness during Klara’s difficult dragon training is particularly effective because it reveals his feelings long before he openly acknowledges them.

The main limitation is pacing. A significant portion of the story focuses on dragon training and acclimation to Sarrothian culture. Readers looking for constant romantic tension may find the middle section slower than expected. Some readers have praised the emphasis on world building and character growth, while others felt the romance lacked the intensity and angst found in earlier Horde King books.

Narration

The audiobook employs a large cast of narrators, creating a highly immersive listening experience. Victoria Connolly and Sean Masters anchor the performance effectively, while the additional cast members help distinguish viewpoints and supporting characters. The multi-cast approach works particularly well during scenes involving the Sarrothian horde and dragon riders because it gives the world a larger, more cinematic feel.

Victoria Connolly captures Klara’s intelligence, vulnerability, and determination without making her sound weak. Her performance shines during the character’s moments of discovery and self-doubt. Sean Masters delivers Sarkin’s reserved personality with the necessary authority and emotional restraint. His deeper tone suits a king who expresses himself through actions more often than words.

The production quality is excellent overall. Character voices remain distinct, emotional scenes land effectively, and the narration enhances both the fantasy adventure and the romance.

Final Opinion

The Horde King of Shadow is a strong start to the Hordes of the Elthika series. Rather than simply recreating the formula of the original Horde Kings books, Zoey Draven introduces dragons, new political conflicts, and deeper fantasy elements while still delivering a satisfying romance.

Klara and Sarkin’s relationship develops through trust, shared challenges, and mutual respect rather than explosive passion alone. Readers who enjoy dragon riders, arranged marriage romances, scholarly heroines, and detailed fantasy world building will likely find a lot to enjoy here. Those hoping for the intense emotional conflict and angst of some earlier Horde King novels may find the romance somewhat gentler and the pacing slower.

As an audiobook, however, the full-cast narration elevates the experience considerably. The combination of strong performances, rich world building, and an engaging fantasy romance makes this an easy recommendation for fans of Zoey Draven’s work and for listeners looking for a dragon-centered romantic fantasy with substantial world building.

Rating: 4.25/5 stars. A compelling series opener that balances romance, dragons, and fantasy intrigue while laying the groundwork for a promising new saga. I am glad there is a new series of these Horde Kings books, since I loved the original series so much and adding dragons to this world does just feel right, so I can’t wait for the next book.

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[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this soooo bad. I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I feel like this just wasn’t as good as the original Horde Kings series. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. But I really needed more romance and less world building. It really was giving more fantasy novel and not *romance* novel. Honestly for a good portion of the book the romance was DEAD. Helloooo do you guys even like each other? Like someone PLEASE throw me some sexual tension and YEARNING! Maybe I’m just a complainer. Anyways 3 stars ⭐️

[Cat H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8 stars.
Hell yeah! Dragons are always my favorite.
I loved the Avatar, dances with wolves, vibes with the ‘choosing’. And the mentions of past characters from the og series.
Only thing that would’ve made it better is if they could actually talk to the dragons.

[Wendy Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

She gets to ride a freaking dragon and to wear a silvery dress made out of hatchling scales.

That’s it, that’s all you need to know.