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The Executioner Prince
In the Kingdom of Netherhelm, a kingdom steeped in dark magic; two unyielding forces are about to collide.
The Executioner Prince
Thorne Shadowfall, third-born to the throne of Netherhelm, is a silver-haired disgrace among his obsidian crowned kin. Cursed by his father to bear the weight of a sin he didn't commit and forced to murder citizens in secret. Thorne has made a home in agony, as the blood he spills tightens the King's grip on him.
The Serpent of Netherhelm
Harrow Darkbloom is most comfortable in the shadows or wielding a blade. An assassin and a myth.
To the nobles, he's a faceless nightmare; to the common folk, a legend. His next the silver haired Prince of Netherhelm himself.
To strike, Harrow must masquerade as a knight to gain access to the Prince, but when a night of passion exposes the truths they've both buried, their hatred becomes a match which ignites against the stone of their lust and creates something far more dangerous. Bound by sin and secrets, the prince and the assassin find themselves entangled in a web of betrayal and prophecy with war on the horizon.
Will their lust and hatred end in ruin or salvation?
The Executioner Prince
Thorne Shadowfall, third-born to the throne of Netherhelm, is a silver-haired disgrace among his obsidian crowned kin. Cursed by his father to bear the weight of a sin he didn't commit and forced to murder citizens in secret. Thorne has made a home in agony, as the blood he spills tightens the King's grip on him.
The Serpent of Netherhelm
Harrow Darkbloom is most comfortable in the shadows or wielding a blade. An assassin and a myth.
To the nobles, he's a faceless nightmare; to the common folk, a legend. His next the silver haired Prince of Netherhelm himself.
To strike, Harrow must masquerade as a knight to gain access to the Prince, but when a night of passion exposes the truths they've both buried, their hatred becomes a match which ignites against the stone of their lust and creates something far more dangerous. Bound by sin and secrets, the prince and the assassin find themselves entangled in a web of betrayal and prophecy with war on the horizon.
Will their lust and hatred end in ruin or salvation?
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2026
About the author
Luden Gray
4 books18 followersLuden Gray is a passionate writer and Master's of English Student. Luden describes themself as a lifelong learner of the writing discipline and is always looking to improve. A bookstore manager, and pet rescue volunteer, Luden stays busy but their fantasy worlds are always on their mind!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this! It's a good quick read, which lends well to the strong pacing. There is no filler, its just world building, characters and a strong plot to hold it all together. I love books about royalty and morally grey characters so this fit the bill perfectly!
May 26, 2026
ARC Review
"The Serpent becomes the Executioner’s salvation. "
Thorne Shadowfall is third-born to the throne of Netherhelm. He a forced assassin for the throne and knows only pain and manipulation, as his blood must spill to use his power. Harrow Darkbloom raised by serpents lurks in the shadows and has been tasked with killing Thorne. He must masquerade as a knight to gain access to the Prince, but discovers they have both been hiding secrets and there is a foretold prophecy that tells their fate. Is their hate for each other more? Can Harrow complete his mission? Who is the true enemy? How can they change fate and fulfill the prophecy?
"We are wretched mirrors facing one another, open to each other’s storms as we exchange our darkest truths."
The Executioner Price is told from Harrow's POV, is medium paced, has a unique fantasy based world and well developed characters. By nature, character flaws are mixed within the plot. This was such a solid read! I have read quite a few contemporary MM romances so I LOVED that this MM romance was fantasy based. The enemies-to-lovers tension was my absolute favorite part! I could FEEL their hatred, mistrust, haunting attraction, and yearning.
While once finished, I had a good sense of the world. I do feel that some of the aspects felt disconnected at times regarding the political motives for those trying to rule kingdom and eliminate anyone that could jeopardize it. This dark world was full of obsession, angst, torture, fate, loyalty, churn and discovered love; basically all makings for a great fantasy story!
If you love morally gray men, MM romances, oppression vs redemption, and dark fantasy worlds, this one story is for you!
A huge shout out to Luden Gray for a well written story! Thank you and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read and review Thorne and Harrow's story prior to its release.
"The Serpent becomes the Executioner’s salvation. "
Thorne Shadowfall is third-born to the throne of Netherhelm. He a forced assassin for the throne and knows only pain and manipulation, as his blood must spill to use his power. Harrow Darkbloom raised by serpents lurks in the shadows and has been tasked with killing Thorne. He must masquerade as a knight to gain access to the Prince, but discovers they have both been hiding secrets and there is a foretold prophecy that tells their fate. Is their hate for each other more? Can Harrow complete his mission? Who is the true enemy? How can they change fate and fulfill the prophecy?
"We are wretched mirrors facing one another, open to each other’s storms as we exchange our darkest truths."
The Executioner Price is told from Harrow's POV, is medium paced, has a unique fantasy based world and well developed characters. By nature, character flaws are mixed within the plot. This was such a solid read! I have read quite a few contemporary MM romances so I LOVED that this MM romance was fantasy based. The enemies-to-lovers tension was my absolute favorite part! I could FEEL their hatred, mistrust, haunting attraction, and yearning.
While once finished, I had a good sense of the world. I do feel that some of the aspects felt disconnected at times regarding the political motives for those trying to rule kingdom and eliminate anyone that could jeopardize it. This dark world was full of obsession, angst, torture, fate, loyalty, churn and discovered love; basically all makings for a great fantasy story!
If you love morally gray men, MM romances, oppression vs redemption, and dark fantasy worlds, this one story is for you!
A huge shout out to Luden Gray for a well written story! Thank you and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read and review Thorne and Harrow's story prior to its release.
May 22, 2026
Shoutout to RattleTheStarsPR and the author for the ebook!
I really enjoyed The Executioner Prince and honestly think this is such a strong start for readers who love dark MM fantasy romance with emotionally wrecked characters, obsession, and tension that feels sharp enough to draw blood. Luden Gray created a world that feels drenched in shadow and prophecy, but what stood out most to me was the emotional conflict underneath all the violence and political manipulation.
Thorne was such a compelling character to follow. Beneath the title of “Executioner Prince” is someone carrying guilt, pain, and the weight of a curse that was never truly his to bear. There’s this constant feeling of loneliness and quiet desperation around him that made his chapters hit harder emotionally than I expected. And then you have Harrow — an assassin turned myth, ruthless and dangerous, yet somehow equally trapped in his own role. Their dynamic absolutely carried this book for me.
The enemies-to-lovers tension was done so well because it never felt superficial. Their hatred, mistrust, attraction, and eventual vulnerability all felt tangled together in a way that made the romance feel earned. The assassin x prince setup mixed with the darker themes of oppression, redemption, betrayal, and fate gave the story that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling. And yes — the chemistry between them was spicy while still feeling emotionally charged rather than thrown in for shock value.
I also loved the atmosphere of Netherhelm itself. The dark magic, secret killings, prophecy threads, and looming war created such a haunting backdrop for the romance. While there were a few places where I wanted a little more expansion in the worldbuilding and political details, the emotional core of the story stayed strong the entire time.
If you love morally gray men, cursed princes, assassin romances, emotional suffering, and dark fantasy worlds where love and ruin walk hand in hand, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I really enjoyed The Executioner Prince and honestly think this is such a strong start for readers who love dark MM fantasy romance with emotionally wrecked characters, obsession, and tension that feels sharp enough to draw blood. Luden Gray created a world that feels drenched in shadow and prophecy, but what stood out most to me was the emotional conflict underneath all the violence and political manipulation.
Thorne was such a compelling character to follow. Beneath the title of “Executioner Prince” is someone carrying guilt, pain, and the weight of a curse that was never truly his to bear. There’s this constant feeling of loneliness and quiet desperation around him that made his chapters hit harder emotionally than I expected. And then you have Harrow — an assassin turned myth, ruthless and dangerous, yet somehow equally trapped in his own role. Their dynamic absolutely carried this book for me.
The enemies-to-lovers tension was done so well because it never felt superficial. Their hatred, mistrust, attraction, and eventual vulnerability all felt tangled together in a way that made the romance feel earned. The assassin x prince setup mixed with the darker themes of oppression, redemption, betrayal, and fate gave the story that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling. And yes — the chemistry between them was spicy while still feeling emotionally charged rather than thrown in for shock value.
I also loved the atmosphere of Netherhelm itself. The dark magic, secret killings, prophecy threads, and looming war created such a haunting backdrop for the romance. While there were a few places where I wanted a little more expansion in the worldbuilding and political details, the emotional core of the story stayed strong the entire time.
If you love morally gray men, cursed princes, assassin romances, emotional suffering, and dark fantasy worlds where love and ruin walk hand in hand, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 14, 2026
Mi aspettavo del trash e it delivers non sono delusa. Ma poi questo libro ha un personaggio che va in giro a uccidere nobili e attaccare i loro pezzi alle pareti dei loro palazzi, decisamente non mi lamento.
June 6, 2026
"Duty may have him, but the truest parts of him are mine."
Harrow and Thorne absolutely had me in a chokehold. The Executioner Prince felt like John Wick meets dark fantasy romance, complete with curses, assassins, dangerous magic, and a prophecy that refuses to leave either of them alone.
When an assassin's mission collides with a prince's fate, secrets begin to unravel and the line between enemy and ally becomes increasingly blurred.
The relationship between Harrow and Thorne was easily my favorite part. The tension, the bickering, the reluctant trust, and yearning... I ate it up. The constant push and pull between duty and desire was addictive.
MM romance, morally gray men, enemies to lovers with the emotional devastation, had me.
Thank you Rattle the Stars PR and Luden Gray for my gifted eARC!
Harrow and Thorne absolutely had me in a chokehold. The Executioner Prince felt like John Wick meets dark fantasy romance, complete with curses, assassins, dangerous magic, and a prophecy that refuses to leave either of them alone.
When an assassin's mission collides with a prince's fate, secrets begin to unravel and the line between enemy and ally becomes increasingly blurred.
The relationship between Harrow and Thorne was easily my favorite part. The tension, the bickering, the reluctant trust, and yearning... I ate it up. The constant push and pull between duty and desire was addictive.
MM romance, morally gray men, enemies to lovers with the emotional devastation, had me.
Thank you Rattle the Stars PR and Luden Gray for my gifted eARC!
June 4, 2026
I absolutely enjoyed The Executioner Prince! It was such a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed the two main characters, Harrow and Thorne. Their chemistry was so good, and I found myself invested in both of their stories from the get go. I also loved the magic system. Harrow, the Serpent of Netherhelm, and his snake magic were super cool and unique. Thorne's magic was equally interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about both of their abilities throughout the story. The MM romance was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension, the passion, and the enemies to lovers kept me spreading those pages LOL. And that ending? It left me wanting so much more! Overall, this was a great read. I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 20, 2026
Not going to lie, I was hooked immediately on the prologue. Who doesn’t like the “un-aliving” of some of the aristocratic class that decide to traffic people?!
Really enjoyed the banter throughout the book as well as the inter struggles from both MMCs.
TROPES:
Redemption
Oppression
Love & Loss
Assassin x Prince
Enemies to Lovers
MM Romance
Spicy Scenes
Really enjoyed the banter throughout the book as well as the inter struggles from both MMCs.
TROPES:
Redemption
Oppression
Love & Loss
Assassin x Prince
Enemies to Lovers
MM Romance
Spicy Scenes
May 14, 2026
At first, I thought maybe I wasn't going to like this book, it took me a little bit to get into it but once I did, I was hooked. I was pleasantly surprised. 😆
Harrow has a mission and he is determined to complete it. His mission, to kill the Prince.
Prince Thorne, a poor cursed soul who is tortured and is forced to kill innocents by the King.
The banter and tension 🤌🏽 the touch him and die moments 🥵
The political intrigue, the corrupt King, the magic system, everything was just perfect.
That ending, whoaaa!
The Executioner Prince is the first book of the duology. You won't want to miss this!
Harrow has a mission and he is determined to complete it. His mission, to kill the Prince.
Prince Thorne, a poor cursed soul who is tortured and is forced to kill innocents by the King.
The banter and tension 🤌🏽 the touch him and die moments 🥵
The political intrigue, the corrupt King, the magic system, everything was just perfect.
That ending, whoaaa!
The Executioner Prince is the first book of the duology. You won't want to miss this!
May 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“We are two souls reunited through space and time and it’s the cruelest fate” UGHHHHHH MY HEAAART.
The Executioner Prince gripped me from page one. Luden has a way of creating a whole world that completely immerses you and makes you devour the entire story in one sitting. I can never predict what’s going to happen next, even when I think that I can- it’s a roller coaster. The plot was plotting with this one, even with spells and a loooot of information, it wasn’t overly complicated to follow (which I LOVE, because some fantasy/romantasy plots stress me ooout!). The chemistry and banter between these main characters is so many things: addictive, toxic, loving, intimate, emotional.. I could go on, but needless to say I’m obsessed with them. There’s the perfect amount of tension to spice, plus alllll of the YEARNNNNINGG!!
Luden, babes, I’ll never forgive you for leaving me with these spiraling cliffhangers at the end of your books, but I’ll love you forever for giving me another story to love and obsess over.
Cannot wait for the sequel 🤍
Side note: *while everyone waits for this sequel, go read Kingdom of Deception by Luden Gray😉*
“We are two souls reunited through space and time and it’s the cruelest fate” UGHHHHHH MY HEAAART.
The Executioner Prince gripped me from page one. Luden has a way of creating a whole world that completely immerses you and makes you devour the entire story in one sitting. I can never predict what’s going to happen next, even when I think that I can- it’s a roller coaster. The plot was plotting with this one, even with spells and a loooot of information, it wasn’t overly complicated to follow (which I LOVE, because some fantasy/romantasy plots stress me ooout!). The chemistry and banter between these main characters is so many things: addictive, toxic, loving, intimate, emotional.. I could go on, but needless to say I’m obsessed with them. There’s the perfect amount of tension to spice, plus alllll of the YEARNNNNINGG!!
Luden, babes, I’ll never forgive you for leaving me with these spiraling cliffhangers at the end of your books, but I’ll love you forever for giving me another story to love and obsess over.
Cannot wait for the sequel 🤍
Side note: *while everyone waits for this sequel, go read Kingdom of Deception by Luden Gray😉*
June 13, 2026
This book had a compelling start. The world felt as though it was filled with darkness from the very first page. The pages are brimming with tension and morally grey characters, which helped the plot progress.
I also really enjoyed the world and magic system within the story. The idea that magic is inherited and tied to a “titan” is truly original and kept me hooked. I’d like to see more of the world as I feel as there is more to experience.
The relationship and dynamic between the two main characters was so fun. It was a true enemies to lovers that felt authentic; you could sense the mistrust and hatred as the two warred with their feelings and their responsibilities.
I found Harrow to be really intriguing , especially as we learn more about him and how he was brought up. As an assassin pretending to be a knight, it was surprising to see the love he holds for his family and the less fortunate within the realm. We also see him use his position to get close to the royal family to get revenge and fulfil a contract. However, it doesn’t take long for his walls to begin to crumble and him gradually letting Thorne close to him, even though he tries to deny his feelings.
Thorne is an absolute delight and he should be protected at all cost. He has faced so much suffering at the hands of his “family” and carries a massive amount of pain and guilt because of it. This pain is so apparent throughout the story, and drives the plot.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great story and strong enemies to lovers with plenty of banter. It is also the perfect book for Pride Month 🌈.
I also really enjoyed the world and magic system within the story. The idea that magic is inherited and tied to a “titan” is truly original and kept me hooked. I’d like to see more of the world as I feel as there is more to experience.
The relationship and dynamic between the two main characters was so fun. It was a true enemies to lovers that felt authentic; you could sense the mistrust and hatred as the two warred with their feelings and their responsibilities.
I found Harrow to be really intriguing , especially as we learn more about him and how he was brought up. As an assassin pretending to be a knight, it was surprising to see the love he holds for his family and the less fortunate within the realm. We also see him use his position to get close to the royal family to get revenge and fulfil a contract. However, it doesn’t take long for his walls to begin to crumble and him gradually letting Thorne close to him, even though he tries to deny his feelings.
Thorne is an absolute delight and he should be protected at all cost. He has faced so much suffering at the hands of his “family” and carries a massive amount of pain and guilt because of it. This pain is so apparent throughout the story, and drives the plot.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great story and strong enemies to lovers with plenty of banter. It is also the perfect book for Pride Month 🌈.
May 25, 2026
So The Executioner Prince was my first ever MMC only romance and I freaking loved it! The yearning they both feel is felt through the pages! This book definitely has touch him and die vibes and I'm obsessed with it!
From the very beginning of the book I was obsessed with Harrow! The way he goes after the bad Lords and Ladies is everything. I love that he sticks up for the weak and helpless. Don't get me wrong he's definitely morally gray, but he's a softie deep deep deep inside. 🤣 His obsession with Prince Thorne is exactly that obsession with extreme yearning.
My poor baby Prince Thorne did not deserved to be treated the way he did. 😭 He's also very morally gray with a squishy core. His blatant obsession with Harrow is cute. The fact that they both stalk each other is hysterical.
I loved the world building in this. The different kingdoms and their different magic is so cool.
The ending absolutely DEVASTATED me and I absofreakinglutly NEED the next book!
If you're looking for yearning, morally gray MMC'S, epic love, and amazing world building this book is for you!
10 stars to you Luden Gray! I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
From the very beginning of the book I was obsessed with Harrow! The way he goes after the bad Lords and Ladies is everything. I love that he sticks up for the weak and helpless. Don't get me wrong he's definitely morally gray, but he's a softie deep deep deep inside. 🤣 His obsession with Prince Thorne is exactly that obsession with extreme yearning.
My poor baby Prince Thorne did not deserved to be treated the way he did. 😭 He's also very morally gray with a squishy core. His blatant obsession with Harrow is cute. The fact that they both stalk each other is hysterical.
I loved the world building in this. The different kingdoms and their different magic is so cool.
The ending absolutely DEVASTATED me and I absofreakinglutly NEED the next book!
If you're looking for yearning, morally gray MMC'S, epic love, and amazing world building this book is for you!
10 stars to you Luden Gray! I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
May 26, 2026
While fantasy isn't always my go to genre, the Executioner Prince caught my eye with its stunning cover and intriguing blurb. I love morally grey men across all genres so it was an easy decision to pick up this book.
I think my two favorite parts of the book were the banter and the depiction of magic. The banter was flung back and forth between the two main characters in ways that worked so well. Both of the MMCs were grumpy, morally grey and full of sass that made the banter that was flung between them even better. The banter was also paired so well with flirting and yearning that just made the chemistry between come to life even more.
I also loved the author's depiction of magic. The familiars especially, their roles and interactions with both the human character and other familiars. It was a fun side element I really appreciated. Additionally the dark magic elements drew me into the story and made the reading experience very immersive.
Many thanks to Rattle The Stars PR and the author Luden Gray for an advanced copy of the book!
I think my two favorite parts of the book were the banter and the depiction of magic. The banter was flung back and forth between the two main characters in ways that worked so well. Both of the MMCs were grumpy, morally grey and full of sass that made the banter that was flung between them even better. The banter was also paired so well with flirting and yearning that just made the chemistry between come to life even more.
I also loved the author's depiction of magic. The familiars especially, their roles and interactions with both the human character and other familiars. It was a fun side element I really appreciated. Additionally the dark magic elements drew me into the story and made the reading experience very immersive.
Many thanks to Rattle The Stars PR and the author Luden Gray for an advanced copy of the book!
May 17, 2026
I was convinced to read this as soon as it was marketed for lovers of Song of Achilles which will forever me my greatest book love. Luckily, this book gave me exactly what I was after.
The Executioner Prince is a thrilling, passionate, emotional read which kept me enraptured on each page. The main characters have a fiery tension, filled with forbidden betrayal and untrustworthy words. I absolutely loved their dynamic.
The story itself was really interesting, unique in a world of repetitive fantasies. I found it was filled with great lore building and loveable characters.
Overall, I would highly recommend this read. I'm uncertain if a sequel will be written but god I hope so because I need more!
The Executioner Prince is a thrilling, passionate, emotional read which kept me enraptured on each page. The main characters have a fiery tension, filled with forbidden betrayal and untrustworthy words. I absolutely loved their dynamic.
The story itself was really interesting, unique in a world of repetitive fantasies. I found it was filled with great lore building and loveable characters.
Overall, I would highly recommend this read. I'm uncertain if a sequel will be written but god I hope so because I need more!
May 17, 2026
The way I love them, but they make my heart HURT 😭
•MM romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Assassin x Prince
•Magical life bond
•TWO Morally Grey MCs
•Animal Familiars
I couldn’t put The Executioner Prince down once I started. Sassy, hilarious, grumpy MMCs, curses, the action, and the way that Thorne and Harrow are constantly wanting to choose each other but having things thrown between them made me devour every word 🥺
I cannot wait for the next book. With an ending that left me a sobbing mess, I’m hopeful they (and I) get what they deserve after everything 🥲
A huge thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the gifted copy!❣️
•MM romance
•Enemies to lovers
•Assassin x Prince
•Magical life bond
•TWO Morally Grey MCs
•Animal Familiars
I couldn’t put The Executioner Prince down once I started. Sassy, hilarious, grumpy MMCs, curses, the action, and the way that Thorne and Harrow are constantly wanting to choose each other but having things thrown between them made me devour every word 🥺
I cannot wait for the next book. With an ending that left me a sobbing mess, I’m hopeful they (and I) get what they deserve after everything 🥲
A huge thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the gifted copy!❣️
May 22, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
The Executioner Prince by Luden Gray
Release date: 26th May 2026
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🖤MM Fantasy Romance
✨️Morally Grey
🖤 Cursed Princes
✨️Assassins
"𝕎𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖"
Luden Gray debut MM Fantasy Romance is a quick and steamy read that one needs to read if you want tension and the unknown.
The characters were amazing, the plot was well thoughtout, and overall the storyline was well done.
Although this wasnt my cup of tea it is one I'll recommend for someone who loves MM, fantasy, and who would like a quick read that I think they'd enjoy.
Thank you to RattleTheStarsPR and the author for gifting me this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Executioner Prince by Luden Gray
Release date: 26th May 2026
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🖤MM Fantasy Romance
✨️Morally Grey
🖤 Cursed Princes
✨️Assassins
"𝕎𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕤𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖"
Luden Gray debut MM Fantasy Romance is a quick and steamy read that one needs to read if you want tension and the unknown.
The characters were amazing, the plot was well thoughtout, and overall the storyline was well done.
Although this wasnt my cup of tea it is one I'll recommend for someone who loves MM, fantasy, and who would like a quick read that I think they'd enjoy.
Thank you to RattleTheStarsPR and the author for gifting me this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐
What a beautifully written but also tragic love story between two rivals. One, a hunter with snake powers who has the sole purpose of killing and the other, a prince who never should've been born.
Between the internal self loathing wars that these two go through and fighting their feelings for each other, is a true poetic masterpiece. The way their forbidden love is written makes you want them to rule and win over anything and everything. In the end, the question still stands. Is their love enough to conquer all?
What a beautifully written but also tragic love story between two rivals. One, a hunter with snake powers who has the sole purpose of killing and the other, a prince who never should've been born.
Between the internal self loathing wars that these two go through and fighting their feelings for each other, is a true poetic masterpiece. The way their forbidden love is written makes you want them to rule and win over anything and everything. In the end, the question still stands. Is their love enough to conquer all?
May 25, 2026
He's an assassin raised by snakes who can control them and use their poison to get poison. He's a cursed prince that can't quite die but quite the shadow daddy.
they hate each other but they need to help eachother in order to destroy the curse and obviously the sexual tension is THROUGH THE ROOF !
This was a quick fun read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were lovable and the banter got me giggling at times and yelling at them the next.
if you like romantasy and darker worlds filled with secrets and corruption and one evil brother that you just want to reach in and snuff out .. this is for you.
they hate each other but they need to help eachother in order to destroy the curse and obviously the sexual tension is THROUGH THE ROOF !
This was a quick fun read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were lovable and the banter got me giggling at times and yelling at them the next.
if you like romantasy and darker worlds filled with secrets and corruption and one evil brother that you just want to reach in and snuff out .. this is for you.
May 26, 2026
I am so thankful to have received this as an ARC.
An assassin. A prince. They are enemies to lovers. As soon as I heard that this book is for people who love The Song of Achilles and Throne of Glass I knew I needed to get my hands on it! Like hello if you know me you know i’m obsessed with The Song of Achilles. What more could you want in a story?!
The Executioner Prince by is giving:
• enemies to lovers
• redemption arcs
• animal familiars
•morally grey characters
• dark royal vibes
•MM romance
• and a lot of tension
An assassin. A prince. They are enemies to lovers. As soon as I heard that this book is for people who love The Song of Achilles and Throne of Glass I knew I needed to get my hands on it! Like hello if you know me you know i’m obsessed with The Song of Achilles. What more could you want in a story?!
The Executioner Prince by is giving:
• enemies to lovers
• redemption arcs
• animal familiars
•morally grey characters
• dark royal vibes
•MM romance
• and a lot of tension
May 8, 2026
4.5, rounding up for Goodreads.
A quick, fast paced read with 269 pages.
Opened strong on page 1 and was hooked. Dark, lush, and beautifully toxic. Think The Song of Achilles meets John Wick in a kingdom made of shadows.
The Tropes:
⚔️. Assassin x Prince
🎭. Secret Identity
🔥. Enemies to Lovers
🌑. Cursed Hero
🏳️🌈. MM spicy
☑️. Morally grey men
Thank you to Rattle the Stars PR and Luden Gray for the arc opportunity!
A quick, fast paced read with 269 pages.
Opened strong on page 1 and was hooked. Dark, lush, and beautifully toxic. Think The Song of Achilles meets John Wick in a kingdom made of shadows.
The Tropes:
⚔️. Assassin x Prince
🎭. Secret Identity
🔥. Enemies to Lovers
🌑. Cursed Hero
🏳️🌈. MM spicy
☑️. Morally grey men
Thank you to Rattle the Stars PR and Luden Gray for the arc opportunity!
May 20, 2026
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the eARC.
Darrow and Thorne were definitely enemies at first. I did enjoy seeing their relationship unfold with their banter and tension. While I am interested in continuing the story to see their relationship unfold, I did feel like I was not fully invested in some parts of the story. I felt a bit disconnected because there was less descriptive writing and dialogue. The ending definitely picked up in pacing and I was not expecting what happened.
- MM Dark Romantasy
- Assassin x Prince
- Enemies to Lovers
- Redemption
- Oppression
- Love & Loss
Darrow and Thorne were definitely enemies at first. I did enjoy seeing their relationship unfold with their banter and tension. While I am interested in continuing the story to see their relationship unfold, I did feel like I was not fully invested in some parts of the story. I felt a bit disconnected because there was less descriptive writing and dialogue. The ending definitely picked up in pacing and I was not expecting what happened.
- MM Dark Romantasy
- Assassin x Prince
- Enemies to Lovers
- Redemption
- Oppression
- Love & Loss
May 18, 2026
This is my first romantasy novel! I really like the pacing on this as even the slower moment lead into something. For me, every chapter was an adventure. I loved the banter, and honesty between Harrow and Thorne. Luden’s world building really taps into your imagination, as if you are part of the kingdom. As a reader, Luden immerses you, especially in the action sequences. You’ll be wanting to know what happens next each time. I hope there’s a second novel to follow!
I received an arc in exchange for this review.
I received an arc in exchange for this review.
May 19, 2026
The Executioner Prince by Luden Gray is a fantasy enemies to lovers story. For those who love the song of Achilles this is probably up your street! This book is an emotional MM romance following Thorne and Harrow. This book had me so close to tears and also kicking my feet laughing! If that’s your vibe then grab this book your in for a good time! This book is relatively short at 269 pages for those who love a quick read but this is just the first book so strap in there’s more to come!
May 12, 2026
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stats PR for providing me with this e-ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up
At 269 pages, this book is a fairly short read for part one of a fantasy duet and I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out going in. The chemistry and banter between our main male characters was addictive and I really enjoyed their interactions, but the heavy world building and plot lines didn’t have the strongest structure. The few random snippets of modern language threw me off and made me disconnect a bit with the storyline. I am invested enough, however, to see what happens with Thorne and Harrow so I’ll certainly be reading part two of the duet.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up
At 269 pages, this book is a fairly short read for part one of a fantasy duet and I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out going in. The chemistry and banter between our main male characters was addictive and I really enjoyed their interactions, but the heavy world building and plot lines didn’t have the strongest structure. The few random snippets of modern language threw me off and made me disconnect a bit with the storyline. I am invested enough, however, to see what happens with Thorne and Harrow so I’ll certainly be reading part two of the duet.
May 24, 2026
This was a very intriguing and detailed enemies to lovers read. I enjoyed diving into each of these men’s backgrounds and minds, the way my heart ached throughout the book when reading how conflicted they were. I loved all the tension, spice, conflict, action. The ending was a surprise but very good
May 17, 2026
The only thing I have to say is, I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOOOWW!! I can't be left like that 😭 This story took a direction I did not expect and I love that I hate it 😝😂
May 8, 2026
If there’s one thing I love. It’s boys kissing…and fantasy worlds of violence and subterfuge! This book had it all, and I’m so happy I got to read the arc before the rest of y’all. That way I can confidently say I was here first. I’m not great at writing reviews of stuff, but I hope that someone with fancier words than I can come along, read this, and write what I feel on the matter. Please read this people, I need someone to talk about it with ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
May 15, 2026
I had the absolute privilege to read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and it was amazing! This was the first MM romantasy book I have read so I didn’t know what to expect going into it and it blew me away. There was really clear world building and establishing of characters, as well as their complex dynamics. The main characters, Thorne and Harrow, had so much sexual tension and the YEARNING!!!!! The yearning was unmatched. The second half of the book was definitely my favorite part because the world was fully established and the tension that was building in the first half from the different kingdoms were coming to the forefront. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything and think you should just buckle up for the emotional roller coaster. Truly this was a fantastic start to a new MM romantasy series!
Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:
“We are wretched mirrors facing one another, open to each other’s storms as we exchange our darkest truths”
“He was sugar to my bland pallet, an explosion of color in my life”
“Instead, they’ll only find him, imprinted in my being, his fingerprints at the base of my skull”
“Within this rage I am whole, within this rage I am home”
This is an adult romantic fantasy book, so it is suitable for readers over the age of 18. Also make sure to check the trigger warnings before starting. If you love high romantic fantasy stories with magic, betrayal, assassin x prince, angst, and spice, this is the story for you!!!
Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:
“We are wretched mirrors facing one another, open to each other’s storms as we exchange our darkest truths”
“He was sugar to my bland pallet, an explosion of color in my life”
“Instead, they’ll only find him, imprinted in my being, his fingerprints at the base of my skull”
“Within this rage I am whole, within this rage I am home”
This is an adult romantic fantasy book, so it is suitable for readers over the age of 18. Also make sure to check the trigger warnings before starting. If you love high romantic fantasy stories with magic, betrayal, assassin x prince, angst, and spice, this is the story for you!!!
May 26, 2026
I'd like to start by thanking the author and Rattle the Stars PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to read. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own!.
This book is such a strong start to what will be an intriguing MM dark fantasy romance series. Filled with damaged and morally grey characters, obsession and so much tension.
The world felt dark and mysterious from the get go, and the characters definitely helped to build this setting. Harrow was an assassin presenting as a knight, who was dangerous, mysterious and also trapped in his position and figuring out what he was doing and how he felt.
Meanwhile Thorne is my baby boy who has suffered too much and is carrying so much pain, guilt and this curse that he is struggling to live with. He should have confidence and life, yet he is so troubled and has loneliness and pain that weighs heavily throughout his story.
The relationship and tension between the two absolutely ate and left no crumbs! The enemies to lovers was so well done and it felt real, you could see and feel their hatred, mistrust and warring beliefs as they were engaging with one another.
I honestly loved the world and the atmosphere created, with an interesting magic system, prophecies, the potential for war and so much political tension. I do wish we’d had more because I feel invested and need more of the world alongside the beautiful emotional narrative.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down because I kept wanting to know what happened and where we were going. It was such a great story and one that hooked me and kept me.
What you'll find:
🐍 MM Romance
🐍 Divine Inheritance Magic System
🐍 Oppression
🐍 Love & Loss
🐍 Morally Grey Characters
🐍 Assassin x Prince
🐍 Animal Familiars
🐍 Redemption
🐍 Enemies to Lovers
Quotes
🐍 Our friendship didn't arrive all at once; it unfolded in the spaces between.
🐍 "Choose to suffer me, because everyone else has chosen not to."
🐍 "I survived. We survived."
🐍 Then he breaks. Not cleanly. Not fully. A heart never breaks cleanly in two.
🐍 How tragic, a prince who's never known love, finding solace in the arms of the wretched assassin meant to kill him.
🐍 "You have denied me love my entire life!" "You are nothing, no one. You don't deserve the least bit of affection. Much less love." "So you will have me indulge in rage? Am I only allowed to feel this blinding hatred?!"
This book is such a strong start to what will be an intriguing MM dark fantasy romance series. Filled with damaged and morally grey characters, obsession and so much tension.
The world felt dark and mysterious from the get go, and the characters definitely helped to build this setting. Harrow was an assassin presenting as a knight, who was dangerous, mysterious and also trapped in his position and figuring out what he was doing and how he felt.
Meanwhile Thorne is my baby boy who has suffered too much and is carrying so much pain, guilt and this curse that he is struggling to live with. He should have confidence and life, yet he is so troubled and has loneliness and pain that weighs heavily throughout his story.
The relationship and tension between the two absolutely ate and left no crumbs! The enemies to lovers was so well done and it felt real, you could see and feel their hatred, mistrust and warring beliefs as they were engaging with one another.
I honestly loved the world and the atmosphere created, with an interesting magic system, prophecies, the potential for war and so much political tension. I do wish we’d had more because I feel invested and need more of the world alongside the beautiful emotional narrative.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down because I kept wanting to know what happened and where we were going. It was such a great story and one that hooked me and kept me.
What you'll find:
🐍 MM Romance
🐍 Divine Inheritance Magic System
🐍 Oppression
🐍 Love & Loss
🐍 Morally Grey Characters
🐍 Assassin x Prince
🐍 Animal Familiars
🐍 Redemption
🐍 Enemies to Lovers
Quotes
🐍 Our friendship didn't arrive all at once; it unfolded in the spaces between.
🐍 "Choose to suffer me, because everyone else has chosen not to."
🐍 "I survived. We survived."
🐍 Then he breaks. Not cleanly. Not fully. A heart never breaks cleanly in two.
🐍 How tragic, a prince who's never known love, finding solace in the arms of the wretched assassin meant to kill him.
🐍 "You have denied me love my entire life!" "You are nothing, no one. You don't deserve the least bit of affection. Much less love." "So you will have me indulge in rage? Am I only allowed to feel this blinding hatred?!"
June 1, 2026
3.5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
This was my first MM dark Romantasy and I def need more!! Harrow and Thorne—their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is addictive! Their banter, chemistry, mutual obsession, and constant push-and-pull between hatred, attraction, and vulnerability was done so well.
Harrow and Thorne are both morally gray with surprisingly soft sides. Harrow is a deadly assassin who is determined to protect the vulnerable by viciously killing the upper class who harm them. Thorne is the Executioner Prince who is forced to kill by his father. Their mutual fixation with each other—complete with stalking, longing, and endless fascination—was both entertaining and emotional.
I loved the dark elements to the world building. I especially loved the different kingdoms and their unique magic systems. That said, the world building was often introduced abruptly, I sometimes struggled to understand certain things. Combined with some uneven pacing, it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending felt somewhat abrupt, and I wanted more time with the resolution after so much buildup. Still, the final twists were intriguing and left me eager to continue the series.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Book 1/ MM Dark Romantasy Series
➳❥ Enemies to Lovers
➳❥ Assassin x Prince
➳❥ Animal Familiars
➳❥ Morally Grey Characters
➳❥ Banter & Tension
➳❥ Redemption
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“I'll never get to admit to him that the depths of his eyes are the pools I submerse myself in when I dream.”
“I've kept the scars from our night together because I know it's all I'll ever have of him.”
“Warmth floods my core and I don't ever want to not be touching this perfect boy, this beautiful mess of a man.”
"Choose to suffer me, because everyone else has chosen not to."
“I'd die a thousand deaths to have him looking at me this way, full of love and desire. Kissing him is like giving in to the worst addiction without fear of withdrawal. It is the end of all things and the world made anew.”
“Duty may have him, but the truest parts
of him are mine.”
This was my first MM dark Romantasy and I def need more!! Harrow and Thorne—their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is addictive! Their banter, chemistry, mutual obsession, and constant push-and-pull between hatred, attraction, and vulnerability was done so well.
Harrow and Thorne are both morally gray with surprisingly soft sides. Harrow is a deadly assassin who is determined to protect the vulnerable by viciously killing the upper class who harm them. Thorne is the Executioner Prince who is forced to kill by his father. Their mutual fixation with each other—complete with stalking, longing, and endless fascination—was both entertaining and emotional.
I loved the dark elements to the world building. I especially loved the different kingdoms and their unique magic systems. That said, the world building was often introduced abruptly, I sometimes struggled to understand certain things. Combined with some uneven pacing, it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
The ending felt somewhat abrupt, and I wanted more time with the resolution after so much buildup. Still, the final twists were intriguing and left me eager to continue the series.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Book 1/ MM Dark Romantasy Series
➳❥ Enemies to Lovers
➳❥ Assassin x Prince
➳❥ Animal Familiars
➳❥ Morally Grey Characters
➳❥ Banter & Tension
➳❥ Redemption
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“I'll never get to admit to him that the depths of his eyes are the pools I submerse myself in when I dream.”
“I've kept the scars from our night together because I know it's all I'll ever have of him.”
“Warmth floods my core and I don't ever want to not be touching this perfect boy, this beautiful mess of a man.”
"Choose to suffer me, because everyone else has chosen not to."
“I'd die a thousand deaths to have him looking at me this way, full of love and desire. Kissing him is like giving in to the worst addiction without fear of withdrawal. It is the end of all things and the world made anew.”
“Duty may have him, but the truest parts
of him are mine.”
May 24, 2026
A Prince with death magic and a Knight/Assassin with forbidden magic? Yup, I am 100% in.
The Executioner Prince was like a checklist of everything I love in a fantasy novel. As soon as I read the first few glossary entries and saw that this is a world where almost everyone has magic, and there is a class system based around people's level of ability, I was intrigued. Luden Grey does a fantastic job of rolling out information about the world and its magic systems, giving us just enough to know what is going on without overloading us.
The relationship between Harrow and Thorne is great, as they warily circle each other (for very good reasons!) before crashing together. I appreciated that the story was mostly told from Harrow's POV, as it allowed us to understand why his feelings change.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers transition was well done, as these two are truly enemies (I mean, the murder attempts?) and we witness Harrow’s emotional journey as he realizes he is in love with the Prince.
I also just genuinely liked Harrow as a character. I found myself cracking up at his droll sense of humor and his frustration over being unable to kill Thorne.
As this is book one of a duet, it technically ends on a cliffhanger/HFN. However, book one feels like a complete story arc. There are obviously elements and storylines from book one that will pull us into the events of book two, but it was great to have the primary conflict wrap up. So it feels more like the end of a TV show season, where this season's big bad has been defeated, and we have been given hints about what our heroes will face in the season ahead.
The Executioner Prince was like a checklist of everything I love in a fantasy novel. As soon as I read the first few glossary entries and saw that this is a world where almost everyone has magic, and there is a class system based around people's level of ability, I was intrigued. Luden Grey does a fantastic job of rolling out information about the world and its magic systems, giving us just enough to know what is going on without overloading us.
The relationship between Harrow and Thorne is great, as they warily circle each other (for very good reasons!) before crashing together. I appreciated that the story was mostly told from Harrow's POV, as it allowed us to understand why his feelings change.
I thought the enemies-to-lovers transition was well done, as these two are truly enemies (I mean, the murder attempts?) and we witness Harrow’s emotional journey as he realizes he is in love with the Prince.
"My intention when I first arrived in this sprawling palace two years ago was not to sleep with Thorne Shadowfall. In fact, it could not be further from the reason I came here. Still, things… happened."
I also just genuinely liked Harrow as a character. I found myself cracking up at his droll sense of humor and his frustration over being unable to kill Thorne.
"I have been murdering high profile people in this blasted kingdom for the better part of a decade, so for someone to survive a murder attempt? That hits the ego pretty hard."
As this is book one of a duet, it technically ends on a cliffhanger/HFN. However, book one feels like a complete story arc. There are obviously elements and storylines from book one that will pull us into the events of book two, but it was great to have the primary conflict wrap up. So it feels more like the end of a TV show season, where this season's big bad has been defeated, and we have been given hints about what our heroes will face in the season ahead.
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