King Ember has a secret weapon. His name is Killian Lord. He’s the king’s personal assassin. No one is faster with a blade, quicker on a horse, or sharper with a quip. He’s the only man in Alba allowed to kill outside the bounds of chivalry.
And nobody does it better.
In Assassin Royale, trouble brews in the north. Evil King Globe is gathering his forces along the border. An invasion is coming—but where will he strike?
Yet King Ember has a bigger problem. Maximilian Durandal, a dark knight in Globe’s service, has seized the Berghoff estate, a castle by a mountain lake. He’s searching for a powerful magical artifact—the Moonlight Shard.
Legend says whoever wields the Shard can conquer the world. In the wrong hands, it could destroy Alba.
Short on manpower and time, Ember sends for his secret weapon—Killian Lord.
Lord’s mission is simple. Stop Durandal. But there’s a Durandal is the greatest swordsman on the continent. No one has ever beaten him. He’s obsessed, indomitable, undefeated.
Then again, he has never fought Killian Lord…
Assassin Royale is a fast-paced fantasy adventure for fans of action, magic, and a hero who is both assassin and charmer. If you love epic fantasy and James Bond, read Assassin Royale today.
Born in the nation's capital, award-winning novelist Richard Davis grew up in urban Chicago. He wrote his first short story in the third grade. Having earned a degree in English summa cum laude from Columbia University in New York, Richard moved to Los Angeles where he wrote screenplays for over a decade. But when an awesome idea for an epic fantasy series came to him, he returned to his first love—prose fiction—and has never looked back. Assassin Royale is his fourth novel.
Get a free copy of Richard's novella The Circle, a Killian Lord adventure in the Assassin Royale universe, when you subscribe to his newsletter here: https://subscribepage.io/thecirclefree
I love stories with assassins, and this one had everything I enjoy—fast-paced action, an interesting story, and just the right touch of magic. The magical artifacts were a really cool addition and made the world feel even richer. It kept me turning the pages late into the night, and I can’t wait to see where the King’s Dark Blade series goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ll be honest, I picked up Assassin Royale by Richard Davis on BookSirens because the cover looked cool, but it turned out to be such a great surprise. This one pulls you in fast and keeps the tension building from the first chapter to the last.
Killian Lord, our main character, is everything I want from a fantasy assassin. He’s skilled and confident but not untouchable, carrying plenty of scars from his past. His loyalty to King Ember gives the story its emotional core, and honestly, I loved every scene the two shared. Ember himself feels like the kind of king worth following... steady, kind, and trying to do right in a world full of gray choices. Then there’s Durandal, a villain who’s ambitious, magnetic, and completely ruthless. Every time he showed up, I caught myself holding my breath. The mix of these three characters makes for some incredible tension.
The pacing worked really well for me. There were a few quiet sections that slowed things down a touch, but they added to the atmosphere and gave me time to take everything in. It’s fast when it needs to be, thoughtful when it counts, and it all ties together nicely.
The worldbuilding was another big win. It’s got that classic fantasy feel with its warring kingdoms, political intrigue, and shadows full of secrets. I loved the touches of lore woven throughout, stories of prophecy and old myths that hint at something much bigger still to come. The magic system fits perfectly too. It’s not overused, but when it shows up, it matters. It drives the story and deepens the lore rather than just adding sparkle.
Overall, Assassin Royale hit almost every note I was hoping for. It’s got grit, emotion, and characters that actually make you feel something. I’m giving it 4.75 out of 5. It’s sharp, layered, and full of promise for what’s to come next in the series.
Assassin Royale is book 1 in the King’s Dark Blade series and honestly, when I was asked if I wanted to read, I was a little hesitant at first. Fantasies aren’t my usual go to genre and I’m picky when it comes to choosing what to read, so I really didn’t know what to expect or if I’d actually enjoy the read.
It’s safe to say though, I was pleasantly surprised and this was actually a very enjoyable read. I liked how there weren’t too many characters to get my head around. This can me said for the places mentioned too, as some fantasies this can be overwhelming and I then focus on the pronunciation rather than the story, but there was none of this in Assassin Royale.
I wouldn’t say I overly connected with the characters, but it didn’t spoil the read for me and I feel as the series moves on this would be developed. I did love the fact that Killian could communicate with animals, it made the read different from the fantasies I’ve read and as I love animals it was bound to be a hit for me.
The chapters weren’t overly long so the story managed to hold my attention. I loved the vivid descriptions and that the story had a little bit of everything, action, mythical beings and magic. I felt the author got the pacing just right, it didn’t feel like a slog to get through. This really was a strong opener to a series.
"Assassin Royale," the debut novel in the "King’s Dark Blade" series by Richard Davis, is a riveting tale of high fantasy that introduces readers to the enigmatic Killian Lord. This compelling narrative follows Lord, a skilled assassin, as he embarks on a mission for King Ember to uncover the sinister plans of the ruthless Maximilian Durandal.
The story unfolds with Durandal seizing an estate and brutally eliminating its rulers, setting the stage for Lord's undercover infiltration into Durandal’s convoy. As the plot thickens, Lord discovers a dangerously powerful scheme: Durandal is assembling fragments of a magical shard, infusing them with souls to forge a formidable weapon intended for King Globe's impending invasion.
Davis crafts a thrilling and immersive reading experience, with Lord at its heart—an assassin whose empathy and loyalty to his king stand out, complemented by his unique ability to communicate with animals. The narrative is paced to perfection, with explosive action scenes and duels that are meticulously detailed and vividly written, ensuring readers are consistently engaged.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development and thematic exploration of loyalty, cruelty, and betrayal. Lord's character is particularly captivating, as he navigates complex alliances and moral quandaries alongside intriguing side characters, such as his loyal horse, Bolt, and Vivian, a goddess of thunder and lightning.
Davis's writing style masterfully balances suspense and action, making "Assassin Royale" a must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy. The narrative’s tension and rapid pace draw readers in, making it difficult to put down. As the plot spirals into chaos, the stakes are continuously heightened, promising an explosive continuation in future series installments.
Overall, "Assassin Royale" is a standout addition to the fantasy genre, offering rich world-building, dynamic characters, and a gripping storyline that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next book. Highly recommended for those seeking a fantasy adventure filled with clever action, deep characters, and a plot brimming with intensity and intrigue.
If Ian Fleming had set James Bond in a fantasy world then this would be it. Killian Lord plays the part of Bond beautifully as he answers the king’s request to rid the world of a menace while vanquishing brigands, rescuing wizards and of course charming a lady or two along the way. There are horse chases rather than car chases, gadgets in the form of magical artefacts, and the normal villain with world domination on his agenda. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read the blurb, but this turned out to be an excellent and very entertaining tale which I would happily recommend to readers 🐈⬛
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Assassin Royal is Book 1 in the King's Dark Blade by Richard Davis. This fantasy has so much action. Killian is the King's personal assassin. He is a good killer and he will face dark/evil men in his quest. The Legend says who wields the Shard can conquer the world! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Such a sharply written and witty escapade. If you like action and adventure stories with a dash of fantasy based James Bond this one is for you. Killian Lord needs all the savvy he can muster to pull off his role as evil- disruptor par excellence. I can’t wait to get book two as I’m kinda in love with this character.
Assassin Royale: King's Dark Blade, my first read from author Richard Davis. A good book that got better with every page read. It held my attention & I read it in a single setting. Good, well-written classic fantasy. The characters likable & attention holding. The plot and the sub-plot were both well-developed. I'll definitely be reading more in this series, The Magic Lantern: King's Dark Blade Book 2 is already on my TBR list and it's not out ubtil next month. "I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone! Can't wait for the next one!
This novel features richly drawn characters you quickly come to care about—including Bolt, Killian Lord’s telepathic horse—and delivers nonstop, page-turning action. How will Lord manage to escape from the various predicaments he finds himself in? A great read—5 stars!
Killian Lord is our knight in shining armor, assassin and protagonist. He is rugged and tough, but cunning and kind at the same time. Assassin Royale is a story about two knights who are both warriors, accomplished swordsmen, and anything but chivalrous. Both Killian and his nemesis, Maximillian Durandal, are searching for the Moonlight Sword but for very different reasons. Killian has been tasked by King Ember to find the sword to protect their world. Durandal has been assigned to capture the sword by the evil King Gloove so that he can control the world and destroy King Ember. Their rivalry and competing kingdoms have been struggling with shadowy conspiracies and deceit in the pursuit of power.
The Moonlight Sword is an artifact of unimaginable power. It projects a blue-green glow that can harness the souls of royalty and exceptional people. This mystical sword mirrors humanity’s dangerous drive to dominate nature and symbolizes temptation, corruption and the peril of absolute power if put into the wrong hands.
There are princesses, demons, Orcs, magic and intimate scheming and sex. Out of body experiences, fantasy encounters with characters possessing supernatural powers are all encompassed in their struggle for survival. Their actions, including his horse Bolt who is telepathic, would be unbelievable except the story is so fast paced and thrilling, you chose to believe that these are possible for any human. In the first half of the book, Killian is undercover as he, and the reader, discover these complex characters, all of which are artfully crafted to be demonic or angelic. Both are believable and morally complex, making it impossible not to be swept away by intrigue. The second half of the book is steeped with intense action. There are sword fights, battles, magic, and near-death scenes. The stakes are high and continue to mount on a never-ending incline of excitement. The pace never lets up.
The author expertly portrays Killian’s ruthlessness as a professional assassin, showing his dark emotional and physical scars, in addition to his empathetic, cunning and loyal nature. With a cinematic flair the author balances brutality with intimacy and loyalty.
If you like dark fantasies laced with intrigue and morally complex heroes, it is a must read. You won’t want to put it down.
Guest reviewer Fran received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Assassin Royale sweeps readers into a world of intrigue, blood, and shadowed loyalty. The book follows Killian Lord, an assassin bound to King Ember, as he navigates political schemes, supernatural weapons, and his own sense of duty. It blends classic fantasy tropes like warring kingdoms, orcs, and noble houses, with the sharper edges of espionage and assassination. The opening threads with Tom, a boy orphaned by cruelty and thrust into a violent fate, layer the tale with tragedy and innocence lost. As plots twist around Maximilian Durandal’s obsession with power and the mysterious Moonlight Shard, the narrative grows into a tale of personal vendetta, war, and the unshakable ties between assassin and king.
I found the writing both sharp and indulgent. Sometimes it lingers over food, scars, or clothing in a way that paints the world richly, almost cinematically, though it sometimes slows the pace. What really pulled me in was the texture of Killian Lord himself. He’s scarred, bitter, but strangely noble. I enjoyed the banter, the gallows humor, and the way his cynicism bumps up against moments of raw loyalty or unexpected tenderness. Durandal, in contrast, is the kind of villain I love to hate. He's flamboyant, predatory, a man whose charm makes his cruelty sting all the more. There’s an energy to these characters that kept me turning pages even when the plot meandered. I’ll admit, sometimes the political intrigue felt familiar, but the smaller character moments gave it fresh life.
What surprised me most was the emotional punch. Tom’s chapters nearly broke me. His fear, his resilience, his desperate need for safety, those parts had me tense and aching. And then there’s the king. Ember is drawn with such warmth and dignity that I felt Lord’s loyalty as my own. The book thrives on drama, spectacle, and old-fashioned stakes.
I’d recommend Assassin Royale to readers who like their fantasy with grit but also a strong sense of heart. If you enjoy assassins who brood yet bleed with conviction, kings who inspire, and villains who make your skin crawl, this will hit the mark. It’s entertaining, vivid, and full of moments that you'll remember. Fans of political fantasy like Game of Thrones or assassin-driven sagas like The Night Angel Trilogy will devour this book.
Meet Killian Lord, assassin extraordinaire in the service of his king. Lord is no one-dimensional, merciless killer, however. He possesses a keen sense of fair play, is loyal to his sovereign, and has a wealth of experience.
His skills and scruples are sorely tested when, on a mission for his king, he goes up against the ruthless Durandal. What follows is as much a thrilling battle of wills and wits as it is swordplay (though there’s plenty of that), culminating in a pitched battle and a duel to the death.
Along the way, Lord encounters itinerant magicians, gods, goddesses, and a hulking, dangerous orc named Uglash. This fast-paced novel includes plenty of Davis’s trademark action scenes. The tone is upbeat, carrying the reader pell-mell toward the exciting conclusion. A book any fan of fantasy, action, and magic is sure to enjoy. I’m looking forward to reading more of the adventures of Killian Lord in the future.
This is one of those books that is nearly impossible to put down. How can one guy possibly get into so many nail-biting, hair-raising situations? And how can he possibly get out of them? But, Killian Lord manages to pull himself through with wit and panache and some much needed speed and muscle from his trusty steed, Bolt. Not to mention a few well-placed magical contraptions from a wizard that gives off classic batty Q-vibes. (The subtle, and not-so-subtle, James Bond references are just delicious, by the way.)
This book hits all the right notes: Fast-paced action, excellent fight scenes, a femme fatale, intrigue, suspense, magic, and a diabolical bad guy you really wish you could punch. What’s not to love? You can bet I will be getting the second book in this series.
This story is definitely not what I expected. This fantasy turned out to be very interesting and quite different than the norm. We have everything expected in a fantasy, from different species to magic. There is a quest and a lot of danger. When Killian Lord is tasked by his king to investigate Durandal after a duke and duchess disappear from their castle, he doesn’t know what to expect. Well, he definitely didn’t expect Lord Durandal to have an orc as his bodyguard. What follows was an exciting tale of bravery, courage and fate. As this is Book One in a series, I can’t wait to see what foe Richard Davis will have Killian Lord face next. Great fantasy I highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This exciting magical epic fantasy adventure story reminiscent of a James Bond movie will keep you up reading all night! The story catapults the reader into a world of mortal danger, thunderous battle scenes, kings and castles, chivalry, and fantastic magic. The hero, a razor-sharp assassin of noble character who communicates telepathically with his horse, faces a gauntlet of seemingly impossible obstacles while saving a kingdom, and romancing a real goddess! The author’s prose is engaging, the writing crisp and the choice of words intellectually stimulating. The narrative flow pulled me seamlessly from scene to scene and chapter to chapter, until the very end. I liked it so much that I am actually now reading it for a second time.
Killian takes on his King’s quest with lots of confidence. When obstacles arise, he figures he’s going to die as an assassin some day anyway, so he might as well keep trying to save his friends, his country, and the world. His horse, Bolt, is by his side almost every step of the way. There is great world building, lots of action and heart stopping events and angry beasts, but be advised, does contain sex, swearing, severed body parts, and blood.
He will be sent on a mission to stop an army from destroying his home and king. They have their own assassin who is reportedly just as good as him but they have never met yet. See how it will all go I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great action packed read
An incredibly amazing and intriguing story by Richard Davis! Action, adventure, magic, and a little bit of romance. This book is pretty fast paced. Once you start reading it before you know it you've read the last word. The characters were great! All the witty banter between Lord and Durandal was fun and I kept finding myself waiting for the next laugh out loud moment. Richard's brilliant world building and magic system keeps the story alive throughout the book. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!