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Legends of the Shadow #2

The Assassin's Wrath

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A master assassin. A fugitive prince. An impossible quest – to hunt a dragon.

When a magical storm tears their ship to pieces, legendary assassin Locan A’Shadow and his companion, Cetrik, stagger ashore in a ruthless and broken land.

The rulers of Paleir once commanded mighty sea dragons, forging an island of warring kingdoms into a proud and prosperous nation. Now, Paleir’s cities lie in ruins. No dragon has been seen there for centuries…

Until now.

There are rumours of huge, winged shapes in the night. When a local lord captures Cetrik and Locan, he offers them only one chance of freedom – they must find a dragon and bring him its scales, so he can bind it to serve him and unite Paleir again.

Cetrik is eager for adventure, but Locan has been caught in the games of kings before. And he knows they always end in blood.

They set out into the wilderness, to hunt a creature of myth. But when a deadly magical conspiracy is revealed, can they find what they seek before an ancient evil is unleashed on their world?

An utterly thrilling and addictive fantasy of secrets, betrayal, and epic combat. Fans of Joe Abercrombie, Jay Kristoff, and John Gwynne will be hooked.

See what readers are saying about R.S.

Breathtaking. I did not want this book to end. Please can I have the next book now PLEASE. A must-read for all lovers of this genre. Loved, loved it!!!!!!!!!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely loved it, devoured it, read it late into the night… then picked it up again in the early morning.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just outstanding!… I loved… will absolutely be reading whatever this author puts out!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Full of intrigue, betrayal and battles… The pacing doesn’t let up for a minute. I raced through this.” Sharon Beyond the Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Starts with an epic bang… an entertaining and wild ride.” Scrapping and Playing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Political intrigue and manoeuvring, betrayal, assassinations… sweeping mountains, warring kingdoms… A must-read.” musings_marginalia_miscellanea ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin and John Gwynne. Will have you staying up until ungodly hours just waiting to see what happens next.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

154 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

R.S. Moule

8 books45 followers
R.S. Moule is the author of the Erland Saga. He has a passion for writing epic fantasy grounded by human flaws and desires, set in worlds inspired by a childhood divided between his home in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and summers spent exploring the rugged coastline and deep glens of the Isle of Man. He now lives in South London with his wife, Eloise, and their cat, Tinks. When not reading or writing, he can often be found playing guitar, watching football, or looking for his keys.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Chezza's life.
272 reviews31 followers
August 23, 2025
*Arc review*

4.5

How is this series not talked about enough is a crime. This need to be your next epic fantasy series to read.

Wow, loved it, yet another epic adventure for Locan and Cetrik. I did find it a bit slower going at first than book 2 but we got there.

And Mordvalt is still my favourite horse lol I honestlt love his attitude haha

Thank you second sky for the opportunity of yet another epic adventure
Profile Image for Bre.
229 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2025
If you want an amazing sequel to an epic fantasy, I’ve got you. This one may not have vampires like the first book, but dragons do make an appearance! Once again R. S. Moule created a fantastic tale full of magic, war, and love. The main character, Cetrik, is much more mature in this book, but still pretty dang naive. Locan is a drunk of an assassin, but not without morals. I can’t really go into much detail on the plot without giving too much away, but it was great!
I really appreciated how two topics were approached in this story. One- the love interest. She was described with such love and adoration- it was precious! Two- the topic of slavery. Fantasy books often make commentary on social injustices, and this one did not miss. Locan’s verbal tirade on Cetrik really got to the heart of the matter: Do you really care? Or do you only care about it when it’s convenient? I never thought a curmudgeon like Locan would spear my heart like that.
However- the book certainly drags in spots. I wanted to skip over some of the politics as it didn’t seem necessary. To me, it was just a lot of yapping that went nowhere. But whew, when there was action, there was definitely action.
PS- Morvolt is still a sassy horse and I would die for him.

Thank you SecondSky for the gifted eARC.
Profile Image for Sharon Rimmelzwaan.
1,464 reviews44 followers
September 5, 2025
This is such an epic series! R.S.Moule is fast becoming one of my go-to fantasy authors. To make this an even better read, we have dragons, too!!! Oh my word, that's me sold!!

This author is excellent at their world building, and it is again proved in The Assassin's Wrath. I was pretty happy to be reunited with Cetrik and Locan. They are a great pair of characters, and Locan had me laughing out loud a LOT!

I have read a lot of fantasy over the last few years, and I always look forward to a new book from this author. He certainly knows how to make it such an immersive read. I am always so satisfied when I have finished his books. This series ticks all my boxes for a fantasy I didn't ever want to leave.
Profile Image for Lisa (Queenie).
149 reviews16 followers
August 2, 2025
Oh I absolutely bloody loved this!

After reading the first book I couldn't wait for another adventure with Cetrik and Locan and I wasn't disappointed. It's witty, funny and this time there's DRAGONS!!!

We catch up with them after the events of the last book on travels with Huratio (who is such a great side character!) and the crew of the Red Fiend. Instantly they have found themselves in another pickle.

I really enjoyed the humour in this book. Locan had me absolutely cackling. His attitude is to hilariously insult his target and then fight if needed. He throws insults as well as he throws blades and I absolutely love it.

"Then you made up some shit about the Underrealm to try and make it seem like you've not spent centuries wasting your time and wanking over your own cleverness."

Cetrik bless him is still naïve but more battle hardened and determined and I love his character. He wants a better world, and is growing braver.

I found myself at times thinking - how do they find themselves in these situations?! 🤣🤣

The world building is really great and the plot was very easy to follow. The magic system is not complicated as we already understand Locan's abilities from the first book. The side characters are great and the characters in this book really make it what it is.

If you want an epic tale of adventure, with action, humour and a completely unorthodox friendship then this series is it.

I can't wait for the next book. From that ending I know it's going to be epic!

Thank you to NetGalley, Second Sky and the author R.S. Moule for the arc. This is my own honest review of the book.
616 reviews8 followers
September 2, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review.

I didn’t expect a dragon hunt to feel so personal, but The Assassin’s Wrath by R.S. Moule delivered an epic fantasy that’s as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed. This sequel builds beautifully on The Fury of Kings, deepening the lore and raising the stakes in every way.

🐉 Plot Summary
After a magical storm wrecks their ship, master assassin Locan A’Shadow and fugitive prince Cetrik wash ashore in the shattered land of Paleir—a place once ruled by sea dragons and now fractured by war and ruin. Rumors of dragons stirring in the night lead to a dangerous proposition: a local lord offers them freedom if they can find a dragon and bring back its scales, so he can bind it and reunite the realm.

Cetrik is eager for the quest, but Locan knows the cost of playing kings’ games. As they journey into the wilds, they uncover a deadly magical conspiracy that threatens to unleash an ancient evil. What begins as a hunt becomes a race against time, with betrayal, secrets, and bloodshed at every turn.

⚔️ What I Loved
Locan’s Depth: A brooding, battle-scarred assassin with a conscience—his internal conflict adds real weight to the story.
Cetrik’s Growth: From idealistic prince to hardened adventurer, his arc is compelling and heartfelt.
The World of Paleir: Richly imagined, with echoes of lost glory and mythic beasts. The dragon lore is especially captivating.
Relentless Pacing: Moule doesn’t let up. Every chapter brings new twists, political intrigue, and cinematic combat.
Themes of Power and Redemption: The story explores what it means to wield power—and what it costs to reclaim it.

🌟 Final Thoughts
The Assassin’s Wrath is a thrilling, emotionally charged fantasy that will leave fans breathless. R.S. Moule blends myth, magic, and moral complexity into a tale that’s impossible to put down. If you love gritty heroes, ancient secrets, and dragons that feel truly legendary, this book is for you.
75 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
If you love epic fantasy, Legends Of The Shadow series is a must for your TBR.
I inhaled The Assasin's Shadow and I was eagerly anticipating the next installment and being reunited with Locan and Cetrik and this did.not.disappoint. There is a our favourite rag tag crew, a hunt for a dragon, a good vs evil arc, a siege, and so much adventure tied up with incredible banter, a witty horse (Morvoldt fan club anyone?) and very high stakes.

All of the elements that you loved in Book 1 and back, bigger and better in Book 2.
The humour in this is spot on, the character development is spot on. Cetrik especially from prince to adventurer is beautiful, eloquent and full of mishap, humanity and utterly hilarious at times.

Locan, our glorious master assassin is back, just as secretive, frustrating (compliment) and funny as ever. He still hates Cetrik, but continues to save him from himself mostly, but the tricky situations they find themselves in. The hunt for a dragon and the new lore of beasts in this world was a great addition.

As with most epic fantasy, sequels tend to start off slow (think how slow GOT and Sanderson installments start) which I always see as a criticism, but for me, this fits perfectly into the epic fantasy genre and is par for the course. Personally, I love the slower starts to the next installment as I find they help me remind myself of details of the previous stories as I read on.

Cant wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Drew.
74 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2025
I want to read a dozen more adventures with Locan and Cetrik!

This book was a clear improvement on the first installment of the series, which was still decent enough, but still trying to find its initial footing. The second book takes a clear step forward, creating a semi-bromance between our two main characters. (I say "semi", because they don't even like each other really, but can't resist saving the other from a tricky situation). The plot was exciting and just projected buddy adventure, full of everything- siege, politicking, betrayal, love, dragons, and even zombie horror show.

The worldbuilding is picking up too- it combines a Tolkien style setting with modern grimdark politics and rulership. The characters outside of Locan and Cetrik are looking interesting too- such as that surprisingly friendly pirate crew that they travel with (from the end of the first book/beginning of the this book). There's an assortment of one-book characters I could discuss too, but there's major spoilers by really talking much at all about them- though I will say that their personalities were certainly interesting, and had me surprised on multiple occasions.

To Mr. Moule- please write more! This series is pure fun!

(I received an ARC through Second Sky and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
September 2, 2025
This series is becoming one of those I pre-order to be sure I will read the next novel and happy-sleep-deprivation-cause.
More epic and intense than the first instalment, it's a ride that kept surprising me and I was fascinated by the evolution of the characters and of the world building. Always had a soft side for assassins/tricksters in fantasy novels: Locan’s mix of deadly skill, dry wit, and haunted past makes him a fav character
It's a great series I hope it will be more popular to remind that romantasy can be nice but a good epic fantasy is like a satisfying and tasty meal.
I can't wait to see what will happen but this novels is just being published and we have two more novels to go and I'm sure it will improve and get more fascinating aspects.
Read it if you want a satisfying and exciting fantasy.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Autummskies.
100 reviews19 followers
September 5, 2025
A great sequel to the first book!

Pros:
- Much more intense than the first book in a good way!! Very high stakes and the ending had me in a death grip. I really enjoyed the plot of this book and the further world building this book had
- Cetrik's character growth from the first book! You can see him maturing as he ventures with Locan
- Locan was great and just as insufferable (I say lovingly) in this book. His role at the end of the book was fantastic
- However, the best character is still Morvoldt, love that horse to death. How Moule could make me care for a horse so much I do not know

Cons:
- A bit of a slow start, it took me until midway to really be invested into what was happening

I really look forward to reading the third book when it releases next!!

Thank you to Second Sky and Netgalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for April.
491 reviews28 followers
September 5, 2025
This is Book 2 in the Legends of the Shadow Series and we continue with the story and this time our plucky pair (Cetrik and Locan) are trying to basically save the world from evil.

Once again, we have epic world building in this epic fantasy and this time, we visit new places and meet new friends.

It is detailed and drags you into the story.

Of course, we have new people to meet (good and bad) plus we also see how Cetrik and Locan have and continue to evolve as individuals and also as a pair which was great to see.

We have action, we have dragons, we have mystery, we have brilliant characters and amazing world all bundled up in this epic fantasy book!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,892 reviews136 followers
September 16, 2025
Magical mystery …
Fables and history …
A quest to complete somehow
For freedom they need now.

An adventurous fantasy read
With magical storms putting this pair in need.
With their unique abilities can they succeed
At bringing a dragon the lord claims to need.

Not all is as it initially seems to be
There are factions, plots and a magical conspiracy.
Can these two help thwart evil plans
And bring peace to warring clans?

A fascinating story with twists galore
And new worlds and magical mysteries to explore.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
63 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2025
I'm a huge fan of this author. Loved the Erland Saga trilogy. Now absolutely loving Legends of the Shadow. The first book of Legends of the Shadow was brilliant, absolutely 5* for me. Great character development, so much so that I could dive straight into #2, The Assassin's Wrath.

And there's dragons! Who doesn't love dragons!!

Absolutely loved this book. But it felt a little rushed at the end and almost too unlikely or convenient.

None-the-less, I'll be the first to buy #3 when it appears to see how this story develops.

I really think R.S. Moule has a big future. Easy to see films from this material one day.
111 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for this arc.

I liked the first book, but it took.a while to build up a head of steam. I thought the second book would pick up where the last book left off, but once again was a bit of slow burn. The end action built up, but the start and early middle was very slow and a bit repetitive with the annoying anti-hero narrative, The payoff at the end was good, but hopefully the next one will keep the momentum from the start.
Profile Image for Holly.
75 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2025
I wasn't sure I was going to read the next book following Lorcan and Cetrik but when I saw this book on NetGalley I requested it.
Whilst I struggled with the slowness of the beginning of the book and Cetriks naivety, this book drew me in and the end kept me reading to see if it would end the way I thought.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series when it is released.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Philip Hofmann.
1 review
October 2, 2025
People are often blinded by those both similar, and dissimilar, to them. Who wants to believe that they are capable of evil? Who wants to acknowledge that those who we considered evil are capable of tremendous good?

Unfortunately, when faced with trials, the cover comes off the mirror, and we see who we really are —and what we are truly capable of being.
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
664 reviews15 followers
September 3, 2025
More epic and intense than book one—this sequel hooked me start to finish! ⚔️ Locan’s deadly skills, dry wit, and haunted past make him a standout fave. If you’re craving epic fantasy that’s rich, exciting, and full of surprises, this series is a must-read!
Profile Image for Claire Reviews.
1,028 reviews42 followers
September 8, 2025
The Assassin’s Wrath by R.S. Moule is the kind of fantasy that drags you into its pages by the throat and refuses to let go. From the storm-lashed opening to the shadow-haunted hunt for a dragon, this is a book that pulses with danger, treachery, and an undercurrent of myth that feels both ancient and alive.

Locan A’Shadow is a master assassin with blood on his hands and caution in his bones, while Cetrik, the fugitive prince he’s bound to, crackles with restless ambition. Their dynamic is electric—their uneasy bond tested at every turn as they’re thrust into a land of shattered kingdoms, whispered conspiracies, and downright impossible choices.

The worldbuilding is grim yet enthralling, rich with imagery of ruined cities, tales of broken rulers, and rumours of dragons that may or may not be real. Moule’s writing is sharp and cinematic, his combat scenes brutally vivid, his twists expertly placed. There’s grit here, yes, but also a strange beauty—the sense that legends are stirring, and the cost of chasing them will be steep.

Fans of Joe Abercrombie and John Gwynne will feel at home, but Moule has his own distinct edge: a talent for balancing ruthless action with moments of quiet, haunted reflection. By the time the final revelations came crashing down, I was utterly hooked and desperate for the next instalment.

Verdict: Dark, bloody, and addictive—The Assassin’s Wrath is fantasy at its most fierce.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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