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Hordes of the Elthika #2
The Cursed Horde King
A bewitching spy. A ruthless king. A love that could ignite a war.
Amaia has worked hard to make her family proud. As the star apprentice to the pyroki master in Dothik, she’s weeks away from inheriting her mentor’s coveted post. But when her desperate brother begs her to take his place in the Heartstone Accords, a diplomatic exchange with their rival nation, she agrees to the unthinkable. Her mission? Cross the sea to Grym, secure work at the dragon hatchery, and spy for the throne.
But Grym is nothing like she imagined—and neither is its formidable king.
Merciless and calculated, Alaryk Arn’dyne is as feared as the ancient dragon he commands. Gifted with powerful heartstone magic that can twist minds, he’s impossible to deceive…and a dark temptation Amaia needs to avoid at all costs.
After a deadly curse strikes Alaryk’s dragon, Amaia knows she can save him, forcing a reluctant alliance with the very person she’s sworn to betray. As their forbidden attraction grows, however, she discovers a male scarred by a painful past, whose wicked needs make her burn.
But when an unexpected crime threatens to ignite a war, Amaia must choose: her home, her heart…or the ruthless king who could destroy both.
Amaia has worked hard to make her family proud. As the star apprentice to the pyroki master in Dothik, she’s weeks away from inheriting her mentor’s coveted post. But when her desperate brother begs her to take his place in the Heartstone Accords, a diplomatic exchange with their rival nation, she agrees to the unthinkable. Her mission? Cross the sea to Grym, secure work at the dragon hatchery, and spy for the throne.
But Grym is nothing like she imagined—and neither is its formidable king.
Merciless and calculated, Alaryk Arn’dyne is as feared as the ancient dragon he commands. Gifted with powerful heartstone magic that can twist minds, he’s impossible to deceive…and a dark temptation Amaia needs to avoid at all costs.
After a deadly curse strikes Alaryk’s dragon, Amaia knows she can save him, forcing a reluctant alliance with the very person she’s sworn to betray. As their forbidden attraction grows, however, she discovers a male scarred by a painful past, whose wicked needs make her burn.
But when an unexpected crime threatens to ignite a war, Amaia must choose: her home, her heart…or the ruthless king who could destroy both.
396 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
391 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Zoey Draven
34 books3,940 followersZoey 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
December 11, 2025
the plot was kinda conflict, conflict, conflict, conflict, resol—, epilogue
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Amaia of Rath Savenal (?) | Alaryk Arn’dyne (+30s?)
FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance
∘ dragons
∘ spy x territory leader
∘ magic bonding
∘ push-pull
∘ light bdsm (dom switches)
REVIEW
I suspect I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn’t read the original series.
It is actually devastating to know that all the changes and sacrifices the previous main characters made amounted to nothing. Dothik is still full of corruption. The citizens with heartstone magic are persecuted and sent to the priestesses for experiments. Centuries have passed, yet society is stagnant.
The Karag are presented as more powerful than the Dakkari because of their dragons. They dismiss the customs and beliefs of the Dakkari, as if it’s not established that the goddess is in fact real in this world. That being said, there is a realness to the prejudice that both the Karag and Dakkari have for each other.
I guess why I’m trying to say—it’s a sad commentary that just halts my otherwise enjoyment of the story. It really is not that deep; I know it’s not. I just wish I didn’t know the “ancient hordes” because I am continuously mourning the deaths of these fictional characters. It is genuinely embarrassing to me how much I care.
As for the story itself: it took a minute to grow on me. Amaia frustrated me to no end with how fickle she was at times. Her constantly threatening to leave and not help Samryn because of her frustration with Alaryk just did not gel with her supposed caretaking nature. Even if she didn’t mean it, it still annoyed me. I understood she had hard choices to make and deep guilt at what she was doing. By the end, I thought kinder of her, but it did not come easily.
Alaryk was…fine. I was initially skeptical of how true his love for Amaia would feel because of his devotion to Samryn. It does become clear that the care he has for her extends past his bond to his elthika. Ultimately, he didn’t stand out, neither in a positive nor negative way. I have decided to take this as a win.
Their mutual betrayal was heartbreaking, but again, understandable. These characters had many burdens to shoulder. Through it all, their budding love was a pleasure to read. The spice, as always, HOT. I loved how both were comfortable letting the other take charge.
My petty qualms aside, I did like the book and (mostly) its characters. I would blink and 100 pages would pass. It is all too easy to fly through.
OW/OM DRAMA OW — Alaryk is with another woman after meeting Amaia. once they start to connect, he thinks about going back to OW to relieve lust from Amaia but doesn’t
|
mentions of OWs — in addition to above lover, there’s mentions he has multiple, but seemingly none are active
|
past OW — Alaryk’s first “love” taught him magic and connected his magic to his lust and pain. he admits he thought it was love but knows now it was not
|
mentions of OM — Amaia mentions having been with two separate men previously
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — quickly reconciled
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Amaia of Rath Savenal (?) | Alaryk Arn’dyne (+30s?)
FEATURES
∘ fantasy romance
∘ dragons
∘ spy x territory leader
∘ magic bonding
∘ push-pull
∘ light bdsm (dom switches)
REVIEW
I suspect I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn’t read the original series.
It is actually devastating to know that all the changes and sacrifices the previous main characters made amounted to nothing. Dothik is still full of corruption. The citizens with heartstone magic are persecuted and sent to the priestesses for experiments. Centuries have passed, yet society is stagnant.
The Karag are presented as more powerful than the Dakkari because of their dragons. They dismiss the customs and beliefs of the Dakkari, as if it’s not established that the goddess is in fact real in this world. That being said, there is a realness to the prejudice that both the Karag and Dakkari have for each other.
I guess why I’m trying to say—it’s a sad commentary that just halts my otherwise enjoyment of the story. It really is not that deep; I know it’s not. I just wish I didn’t know the “ancient hordes” because I am continuously mourning the deaths of these fictional characters. It is genuinely embarrassing to me how much I care.
As for the story itself: it took a minute to grow on me. Amaia frustrated me to no end with how fickle she was at times. Her constantly threatening to leave and not help Samryn because of her frustration with Alaryk just did not gel with her supposed caretaking nature. Even if she didn’t mean it, it still annoyed me. I understood she had hard choices to make and deep guilt at what she was doing. By the end, I thought kinder of her, but it did not come easily.
Alaryk was…fine. I was initially skeptical of how true his love for Amaia would feel because of his devotion to Samryn. It does become clear that the care he has for her extends past his bond to his elthika. Ultimately, he didn’t stand out, neither in a positive nor negative way. I have decided to take this as a win.
Their mutual betrayal was heartbreaking, but again, understandable. These characters had many burdens to shoulder. Through it all, their budding love was a pleasure to read. The spice, as always, HOT. I loved how both were comfortable letting the other take charge.
My petty qualms aside, I did like the book and (mostly) its characters. I would blink and 100 pages would pass. It is all too easy to fly through.
OW/OM DRAMA OW — Alaryk is with another woman after meeting Amaia. once they start to connect, he thinks about going back to OW to relieve lust from Amaia but doesn’t
|
mentions of OWs — in addition to above lover, there’s mentions he has multiple, but seemingly none are active
|
past OW — Alaryk’s first “love” taught him magic and connected his magic to his lust and pain. he admits he thought it was love but knows now it was not
|
mentions of OM — Amaia mentions having been with two separate men previously
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP yes — quickly reconciled
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
December 10, 2025
Unfortunately this book was a let down for a character reader such as myself.
Don’t misunderstand me, it was as well written as any of her other books and the story drew me in. I adore this world, the politics, and the magic system.
But plain and simple, Amaia sucked. She repeatedly made choices that were self centered, hypocritical, dumb and selfish. She had ample opportunity to make better choices, to show character growth, to be brave and to trust and she didn’t. And her bad choices seemingly ended up brushed under the rug for flimsy reasons, in my opinion, and alls well that ends well.
This is lowest I’ve rated one of Zoey’s books and is definitely my least favorite of the Horde books, which is a bummer.
Alaryk was alright, not a stand out. There wasn’t really that much to him as a character but I disliked Amaia so much, he basically defaulted perfect in comparison. Every action he took made sense to me and was in direct contrast to Amaia. Which makes me even more pissed at her cause how dare you make me take a (even imaginary) man’s side?
Idk what else to say yall, hoping this is more of a filler book and the next one in the series will blow me away 🤞🏻
Don’t misunderstand me, it was as well written as any of her other books and the story drew me in. I adore this world, the politics, and the magic system.
But plain and simple, Amaia sucked. She repeatedly made choices that were self centered, hypocritical, dumb and selfish. She had ample opportunity to make better choices, to show character growth, to be brave and to trust and she didn’t. And her bad choices seemingly ended up brushed under the rug for flimsy reasons, in my opinion, and alls well that ends well.
This is lowest I’ve rated one of Zoey’s books and is definitely my least favorite of the Horde books, which is a bummer.
Alaryk was alright, not a stand out. There wasn’t really that much to him as a character but I disliked Amaia so much, he basically defaulted perfect in comparison. Every action he took made sense to me and was in direct contrast to Amaia. Which makes me even more pissed at her cause how dare you make me take a (even imaginary) man’s side?
Idk what else to say yall, hoping this is more of a filler book and the next one in the series will blow me away 🤞🏻
December 19, 2025
I LOVE ZOEY DRAVEN FOREVER
January 2, 2026
────────────────────
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i have been looking forward to the cursed horde king, after devouring the horde king of shadow. the idea of fae/elves in a blend of sci-fi fantasy settings with dragons makes the genre a little different and more interesting ✨️
a massive thank you to zoey draven for the gifted e-arc.
follow me on: instagram
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i have been looking forward to the cursed horde king, after devouring the horde king of shadow. the idea of fae/elves in a blend of sci-fi fantasy settings with dragons makes the genre a little different and more interesting ✨️
a massive thank you to zoey draven for the gifted e-arc.
follow me on: instagram
December 23, 2025
Meh. We went from a 5 star, unputdownable story in the previous book in this series, to this offering that is little more than sex that rides the erotica line and has very little storyline to hold it all up. (appr. 70% sex or sex related commentary to 30% plot). Kinda surprising since this author usually does such a fabulous job of balancing these things. Plus, I’m really tired of women who make such TSTL choices. Could we not, just once, trust the trustworthy person instead of the boneheads? *sigh*
Still, the world, and that 30% story was worth the three stars.
Still, the world, and that 30% story was worth the three stars.
November 30, 2025
A top read of 2025, no surprise. I’ve read all but 1 ZD book in her backlist and have loved every single one. But this series is SO. GOOD.
10/10 for me. So ROMANTIC ugh I love them so much!!!!!!! I was so sad when I hit 80% and knew it was going to be over. Give me more I am begging. I need book 3 right now.
10/10 for me. So ROMANTIC ugh I love them so much!!!!!!! I was so sad when I hit 80% and knew it was going to be over. Give me more I am begging. I need book 3 right now.
December 18, 2025
3.5⭐️
I have been a longtime fan of Zoey Draven and personally think The Horde King of Shadow (book 1 in this series) was her best ever, so I was REALLY looking forward to this! And it was so fun. I loved getting to go back to Drakkar and Karag and explore new places in this world
Amaia is a pyroki handler living in Dothik who is tasked with going to Grym as part of the Heartstone Accords. There, she will be learning and working in the dragon hatchery but also spying for her king. She meets Alaryk, who is the king of Grym and has heartstone magic that calls to her own. The two begin to work together to heal his cursed dragon.
Look, these two were cute. But I never felt quite on board with them. The entire time, Alaryk fully says he is willing to use Amaia to heal his dragon. And Amaia? Never once comes clean about why she was sent to Grym or the secrets she has shared, so it never really felt like she let Alaryk in. It was hard to root for these two when Amaia was lying to him the whole time. And she also insisted that she couldn't stay in Grym because she wanted to return to her family, which is fair.
The ending also soured me on this couple to be honest. They both did some bad things but I think what Amaia did was WAY worse. And somehow it was Alaryk apologizing and begging for forgiveness? .
Also I think this series would really benefit from a map
I have been a longtime fan of Zoey Draven and personally think The Horde King of Shadow (book 1 in this series) was her best ever, so I was REALLY looking forward to this! And it was so fun. I loved getting to go back to Drakkar and Karag and explore new places in this world
Amaia is a pyroki handler living in Dothik who is tasked with going to Grym as part of the Heartstone Accords. There, she will be learning and working in the dragon hatchery but also spying for her king. She meets Alaryk, who is the king of Grym and has heartstone magic that calls to her own. The two begin to work together to heal his cursed dragon.
Look, these two were cute. But I never felt quite on board with them. The entire time, Alaryk fully says he is willing to use Amaia to heal his dragon. And Amaia? Never once comes clean about why she was sent to Grym or the secrets she has shared, so it never really felt like she let Alaryk in. It was hard to root for these two when Amaia was lying to him the whole time. And she also insisted that she couldn't stay in Grym because she wanted to return to her family, which is fair.
The ending also soured me on this couple to be honest. They both did some bad things but I think what Amaia did was WAY worse. And somehow it was Alaryk apologizing and begging for forgiveness? .
Also I think this series would really benefit from a map
December 20, 2025
If this review seems too long for you, here is the tl;dr: Amaia….what is it you do successfully? Quickly.
Onto the review:
SPOILERS AHEAD.
First of all, I just want to say I find the description of this book misleading. Amaia was at no point a spy. She funnelled absolutely zero insider information to anyone. She didn’t search or seduce or eavesdrop for secrets. Sure, she was certainly sent to Grym (or Grymia, still can’t puzzle out which one is which honestly) to be a spy, but that plotline absolutely vanishes through the most INSANE series of events:
1. Amaia expresses concerns about spying, but when Guard #1 threatens her family, she agrees to do it.
2. Amaia collects no information anyway.
3. Guard #1 is arrested, and is no longer a threat.
4. Guard #2 steps up to threaten Amaia in the same way Guard #1 did.
5. Guard #1 and Guard #2 run away.
So…genuinely what is the point to this plot? Amaia feeling vaguely guilty over something she never did in the first place? It’s straight up baffling. “I’ll do anything to protect my family” is repeated ad naseum, but she just doesn’t. She’s not even involved in the plans to begin with?! All the “spying” falls away to focus on Amaia’s magical ability to heal.
Heal what, you ask? Presumably Alaryk’s dragon, Samryn, who has been cursed. Amaia lays her hand on the dragon a few times, and the curse begins to undo itself, but not entirely. This is another plot point that fades into the aether. Samryn is only belaboured until it’s inconvenient. Then, he can fly and do whatever the hell he wants as if nothing is wrong at all.
When Amaia isn’t healing Samryn, she’s meant to be helping the baby dragons hatch, but she ALSO doesn’t do this once it’s inconvenient to the plot. For someone who was so excited to see the babies hatch and to help them grow, she literally does it once. And the baby dragon she’s supposedly fond of? He’s left by the wayside, just like so many other unfinished plots.
So to summarize so far:
- Amaia does not spy
- Amaia does not heal the dragon
- Amaia does not help at the hatchery
What else doesn’t Amaia do?
She doesn’t form a genuine connection with her love interest.
Which brings me to my next frustration.
I think magic is one of the most underdeveloped parts of the Horde King universe. In the original series, it didn’t really matter, because it was more of an abstract concept to support the overarching plot. Kakkari, the goddess of Dakkar, bestows gifts when she feels her world is being threatened. Done. It’s simple, but it works.
Here, magic becomes its own plot entirely, but in a really confusing way. We never really understand what magic is, or why it exists, or why specific people have it. And whenever magic is used, there’s a lot of purple prose that doesn’t satisfy my need for an explanation. Amaia and Alaryk “give” and “take” each other’s magic constantly, and all I can think of is that scene from Friends where Joey goes “[Magic] is based on giving and receiving, as well has having and sharing. And the [magic] that is given and had is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive.”
This is the second book of this series where the main character and her love interest need magic (yes we’re still on magic) to propel them into a physical relationship, and it just feels like a crutch to me. There’s no real desire or yearning to be had. Their magic, which feels like a separate entity entirely, is what drives them together. I don’t understand why they love each other, because they never have any real conversations or bonding moments. Their magic bonds, yes, through nicely worded sentences, but I don’t read these books with the intention of rooting for incorporeal tendrils that bloom and curl and do whatever it is magic does in this Kakkari forsaken world.
This book is like a fully inflated balloon, and when you stick a pin in it, it deflates super slowly instead of popping. It feels like the stakes of this series are meant to be higher than its predecessor, but the story beats and the foundation itself aren’t enough to support it.
This is my second review for the Hordes of the Elthika series, and I realize it probably sounds snarky and hateful, but I swear I write all these words that nobody will read because I care SO much about the world Draven has crafted, and I genuinely don’t want to see it spiral. But who knows?
See you next year.
Maybe.
Edit: also, because this still bothers me: THEY’RE NOT HORDE KINGS. 🗣️ THEY DON’T LIVE IN A HORDE.
Onto the review:
SPOILERS AHEAD.
First of all, I just want to say I find the description of this book misleading. Amaia was at no point a spy. She funnelled absolutely zero insider information to anyone. She didn’t search or seduce or eavesdrop for secrets. Sure, she was certainly sent to Grym (or Grymia, still can’t puzzle out which one is which honestly) to be a spy, but that plotline absolutely vanishes through the most INSANE series of events:
1. Amaia expresses concerns about spying, but when Guard #1 threatens her family, she agrees to do it.
2. Amaia collects no information anyway.
3. Guard #1 is arrested, and is no longer a threat.
4. Guard #2 steps up to threaten Amaia in the same way Guard #1 did.
5. Guard #1 and Guard #2 run away.
So…genuinely what is the point to this plot? Amaia feeling vaguely guilty over something she never did in the first place? It’s straight up baffling. “I’ll do anything to protect my family” is repeated ad naseum, but she just doesn’t. She’s not even involved in the plans to begin with?! All the “spying” falls away to focus on Amaia’s magical ability to heal.
Heal what, you ask? Presumably Alaryk’s dragon, Samryn, who has been cursed. Amaia lays her hand on the dragon a few times, and the curse begins to undo itself, but not entirely. This is another plot point that fades into the aether. Samryn is only belaboured until it’s inconvenient. Then, he can fly and do whatever the hell he wants as if nothing is wrong at all.
When Amaia isn’t healing Samryn, she’s meant to be helping the baby dragons hatch, but she ALSO doesn’t do this once it’s inconvenient to the plot. For someone who was so excited to see the babies hatch and to help them grow, she literally does it once. And the baby dragon she’s supposedly fond of? He’s left by the wayside, just like so many other unfinished plots.
So to summarize so far:
- Amaia does not spy
- Amaia does not heal the dragon
- Amaia does not help at the hatchery
What else doesn’t Amaia do?
She doesn’t form a genuine connection with her love interest.
Which brings me to my next frustration.
I think magic is one of the most underdeveloped parts of the Horde King universe. In the original series, it didn’t really matter, because it was more of an abstract concept to support the overarching plot. Kakkari, the goddess of Dakkar, bestows gifts when she feels her world is being threatened. Done. It’s simple, but it works.
Here, magic becomes its own plot entirely, but in a really confusing way. We never really understand what magic is, or why it exists, or why specific people have it. And whenever magic is used, there’s a lot of purple prose that doesn’t satisfy my need for an explanation. Amaia and Alaryk “give” and “take” each other’s magic constantly, and all I can think of is that scene from Friends where Joey goes “[Magic] is based on giving and receiving, as well has having and sharing. And the [magic] that is given and had is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive.”
This is the second book of this series where the main character and her love interest need magic (yes we’re still on magic) to propel them into a physical relationship, and it just feels like a crutch to me. There’s no real desire or yearning to be had. Their magic, which feels like a separate entity entirely, is what drives them together. I don’t understand why they love each other, because they never have any real conversations or bonding moments. Their magic bonds, yes, through nicely worded sentences, but I don’t read these books with the intention of rooting for incorporeal tendrils that bloom and curl and do whatever it is magic does in this Kakkari forsaken world.
This book is like a fully inflated balloon, and when you stick a pin in it, it deflates super slowly instead of popping. It feels like the stakes of this series are meant to be higher than its predecessor, but the story beats and the foundation itself aren’t enough to support it.
This is my second review for the Hordes of the Elthika series, and I realize it probably sounds snarky and hateful, but I swear I write all these words that nobody will read because I care SO much about the world Draven has crafted, and I genuinely don’t want to see it spiral. But who knows?
See you next year.
Maybe.
Edit: also, because this still bothers me: THEY’RE NOT HORDE KINGS. 🗣️ THEY DON’T LIVE IN A HORDE.
December 12, 2025
It is always a breath of fresh air getting to jump back into Zoey Draven’s universe. The Horde Kings of Dakkar series and this one, I could read one hundred books from this world.
This book in particular was really good. I loved Amaia and Alaryk. Sometimes Amaia’s choices were frustrating and stressing me out, but I still liked her as a character.
I always love the world building Draven writes. In this one, Amaia gets to work with dragon eggs and baby dragons which was really fun to see. The plot was really good too. I read this book in two sittings because I needed to know what was going to happen.
The romance was good, the angst and spice was even better. I did enjoy their build up, but once they switched to viewing each other romantically it got intense pretty quickly. I did still enjoy watching their romance develop and I loved all of their moments together.
Zoey Draven never misses for me. I think I even like this book better than the first in this series. There is so much left to be told in this world and I can’t wait to see where the next story goes.
This book in particular was really good. I loved Amaia and Alaryk. Sometimes Amaia’s choices were frustrating and stressing me out, but I still liked her as a character.
I always love the world building Draven writes. In this one, Amaia gets to work with dragon eggs and baby dragons which was really fun to see. The plot was really good too. I read this book in two sittings because I needed to know what was going to happen.
The romance was good, the angst and spice was even better. I did enjoy their build up, but once they switched to viewing each other romantically it got intense pretty quickly. I did still enjoy watching their romance develop and I loved all of their moments together.
Zoey Draven never misses for me. I think I even like this book better than the first in this series. There is so much left to be told in this world and I can’t wait to see where the next story goes.
December 11, 2025
3.5. I loved the worldbuilding into the elthikia hatchery, and the introduction of the Harta people. They may have been mentioned in the previous book, but I can’t recall, they are significant here since the hero is half Harta.
It was 40% of no romance at all. Strictly hero wants heroine to help him with a task, and then all of a sudden lots of passion and bed romps. I personally didn’t find their romance compelling. I think the author is less interested in dramatics and is not in her bad boy era, because the hero said and did the right things. I do like mature characters, but I also need some conflict/progression. The characters never misunderstood or felt strongly. I felt like there could have been more to twist the knife in certain moments or heighten the suspense. Instead, very reasonable reactions on both sides.
However, if you are looking for an interesting fantasy setting and safe/mature romance leads, I think you will enjoy!
-
Just preordered!! I enjoyed book 1 and want to read about this couple- hero was lightly set up for his book in book 1.
It was 40% of no romance at all. Strictly hero wants heroine to help him with a task, and then all of a sudden lots of passion and bed romps. I personally didn’t find their romance compelling. I think the author is less interested in dramatics and is not in her bad boy era, because the hero said and did the right things. I do like mature characters, but I also need some conflict/progression. The characters never misunderstood or felt strongly. I felt like there could have been more to twist the knife in certain moments or heighten the suspense. Instead, very reasonable reactions on both sides.
However, if you are looking for an interesting fantasy setting and safe/mature romance leads, I think you will enjoy!
-
Just preordered!! I enjoyed book 1 and want to read about this couple- hero was lightly set up for his book in book 1.
December 18, 2025
FEELING ALIVE AGAIN THANKS TO THIS 🙂↕️🙏🏼
the minute I pick up a Zoey Draven book, I suddenly become the fastest reader known to man. I’m practically absorbing the banter and longing and SMOLDERING LUST (!!!) into my fingertips. someone get this woman an Oscar or something?? it feels like she deserves more than a five star review for this!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and her team.
the minute I pick up a Zoey Draven book, I suddenly become the fastest reader known to man. I’m practically absorbing the banter and longing and SMOLDERING LUST (!!!) into my fingertips. someone get this woman an Oscar or something?? it feels like she deserves more than a five star review for this!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and her team.
January 13, 2026
1.5 stars…
What the hell was this?
I would rate this book 1 star if I wanted to be a real pill but I liked the hero Alaryk alright. He actually had some personal growth. Amaia, our FMC, was insufferable. There was absolutely nothing I liked about her and I found her to be completely self absorbed and idiotic. Girl was a pro gaslighter and had zero redeeming qualities. I hated the whole spy trope (which can you even call it that because she didn’t actually do anything) and quite honestly I’m done with that element in romance books. You can’t write shorter romance with a spy trope and then expect the MCs to actually have a real companionship and relationship at the end built on mutual trust, love and understanding. Especially not in a fantasy world.
Amaia didn’t even really apologize for all her insanity and why the hell was Alaryk so wrong that he had to be the only one to grovel? Seriously I’m getting more pissed as I’m writing this review. I love Zoey but this just felt like a total bust to me. Book one was so fabulous. I’m going to scrub this one from my brain.
Amaia can eat a dick…but not Alaryks because she doesn’t deserve his.
What the hell was this?
I would rate this book 1 star if I wanted to be a real pill but I liked the hero Alaryk alright. He actually had some personal growth. Amaia, our FMC, was insufferable. There was absolutely nothing I liked about her and I found her to be completely self absorbed and idiotic. Girl was a pro gaslighter and had zero redeeming qualities. I hated the whole spy trope (which can you even call it that because she didn’t actually do anything) and quite honestly I’m done with that element in romance books. You can’t write shorter romance with a spy trope and then expect the MCs to actually have a real companionship and relationship at the end built on mutual trust, love and understanding. Especially not in a fantasy world.
Amaia didn’t even really apologize for all her insanity and why the hell was Alaryk so wrong that he had to be the only one to grovel? Seriously I’m getting more pissed as I’m writing this review. I love Zoey but this just felt like a total bust to me. Book one was so fabulous. I’m going to scrub this one from my brain.
Amaia can eat a dick…but not Alaryks because she doesn’t deserve his.
December 9, 2025
it is so good to be back on dakkar. every time i step back onto the planet in one of zoey's horde books, it feels like coming home. and similarly to all the other books set in this world, this one had a strong, protective mmc; compelling politics; and, my favorite, a magnetic connection with plenty of angst that made me truly feel for the characters before their hea. and just like all her other couples—zoey is still able to make amaia and alaryk feel so refreshing and different.
the premise of this book relies heavily on the plot of the first book, as amaia participates in an exchange program between dakkar and karag through a treaty that's finalized in the closing act of book one. she possesses a rare and powerful healing magic that is soon called upon when she sees an elthika—a dragon—fall from the sky. and her compulsion to help leads her right to the leader of the horde she's temporarily staying with: alaryk.
the main thing i love about zoey's books and the way she writes relationships is that she does angst so well. particularly in this case, amaia and alaryk's relationship is an example of how love can be gentle and sweet and wonderful, but how it can also have the painful, perilous power to hurt. i loved both how much they hurt each other but also how much they love each other. and the way their story wraps up, the way they work through it together, was so wonderful to see. it's not perfect, but it is wholly and completely still perfect for them.
i also felt like both the political and magical aspects of this story worked really well, mainly because they felt like natural extensions of their relationship. because amaia is such an integral part of this treaty, because her powers are necessary to help save alaryk's elthika, the drama and tension that both provide help to move along their emotional attachment and understanding of each other. it helps them connect, and also draws them apart, and this contrast made the story so gripping.
when i read the first book, the horde king of shadow, it was pretty jarring for me to say goodbye to the hordes from the horde kings of dakkar; i was, and still am, so attached to them, and it was hard for me to think that they were all in the past. i think since i've had some distance from that first series now in terms of time, instead of longing for the familiar setting and structure of the hordes, i was able to sink into this new world much better. plus, i was so happy with every small reference and easter egg that was snuck in for long-time readers.
zoey's writing is intimate and magnetic; she makes my heart truly feel for these characters every time, where their pain and their triumphs are my own. the last fifth of this book in particular was un-put-downable in terms of the pacing of the plot but just how everything came to an emotional head as well.
definitely one of my favorites from her in a catalogue of so many great books already. i'm very fascinated by how the world of karag will expand, and am already looking forward to the next installment in this series—along with anything else zoey writes.
— thank you so much to the author for the e-arc to review!
﹙ three-point-five stars, rounded up! ﹚
the premise of this book relies heavily on the plot of the first book, as amaia participates in an exchange program between dakkar and karag through a treaty that's finalized in the closing act of book one. she possesses a rare and powerful healing magic that is soon called upon when she sees an elthika—a dragon—fall from the sky. and her compulsion to help leads her right to the leader of the horde she's temporarily staying with: alaryk.
the main thing i love about zoey's books and the way she writes relationships is that she does angst so well. particularly in this case, amaia and alaryk's relationship is an example of how love can be gentle and sweet and wonderful, but how it can also have the painful, perilous power to hurt. i loved both how much they hurt each other but also how much they love each other. and the way their story wraps up, the way they work through it together, was so wonderful to see. it's not perfect, but it is wholly and completely still perfect for them.
i also felt like both the political and magical aspects of this story worked really well, mainly because they felt like natural extensions of their relationship. because amaia is such an integral part of this treaty, because her powers are necessary to help save alaryk's elthika, the drama and tension that both provide help to move along their emotional attachment and understanding of each other. it helps them connect, and also draws them apart, and this contrast made the story so gripping.
when i read the first book, the horde king of shadow, it was pretty jarring for me to say goodbye to the hordes from the horde kings of dakkar; i was, and still am, so attached to them, and it was hard for me to think that they were all in the past. i think since i've had some distance from that first series now in terms of time, instead of longing for the familiar setting and structure of the hordes, i was able to sink into this new world much better. plus, i was so happy with every small reference and easter egg that was snuck in for long-time readers.
zoey's writing is intimate and magnetic; she makes my heart truly feel for these characters every time, where their pain and their triumphs are my own. the last fifth of this book in particular was un-put-downable in terms of the pacing of the plot but just how everything came to an emotional head as well.
definitely one of my favorites from her in a catalogue of so many great books already. i'm very fascinated by how the world of karag will expand, and am already looking forward to the next installment in this series—along with anything else zoey writes.
— thank you so much to the author for the e-arc to review!
﹙ three-point-five stars, rounded up! ﹚
December 26, 2025
3 ⭐️
I’ll devour anything by Zoey Draven, but GOD do I wish she’d stop putting her horde kings (men) on the covers.
I’d highly recommend this author if you’re into broody, powerful, devoted and obsessed MMCs.
I’ll devour anything by Zoey Draven, but GOD do I wish she’d stop putting her horde kings (men) on the covers.
I’d highly recommend this author if you’re into broody, powerful, devoted and obsessed MMCs.
December 11, 2025
Lanetli Horde Kralı aka ejderyalar ve yalanlar..
Bu yazarı çok severim. Diğer Horde Kralı serisinin bende yeri ayrıdır. Ammaaaa bu sefer beğenmedim...
Bu dünyada krallıklar babadan oğula değil, kim en güçlüyse ona geçiyor, bu bağlamda düşünmesini seviyorum. Lanetlenen bir Kral, bunun kaldırılması için her yolu denemiştir ama hiç ilerleme olmamıştır. 😳
Ta ki Dothik' ten (bu da diğer serinin geçtiği yer oluyor) Amaia casus olarak gelip ona yardım teklif edene kadar. Sonra gerisinde genel olarak bir şey olmuyor. Gidip bi tur daha diğer seriden okuyasım geldi. 😚
Bu yazarı çok severim. Diğer Horde Kralı serisinin bende yeri ayrıdır. Ammaaaa bu sefer beğenmedim...
Bu dünyada krallıklar babadan oğula değil, kim en güçlüyse ona geçiyor, bu bağlamda düşünmesini seviyorum. Lanetlenen bir Kral, bunun kaldırılması için her yolu denemiştir ama hiç ilerleme olmamıştır. 😳
Ta ki Dothik' ten (bu da diğer serinin geçtiği yer oluyor) Amaia casus olarak gelip ona yardım teklif edene kadar. Sonra gerisinde genel olarak bir şey olmuyor. Gidip bi tur daha diğer seriden okuyasım geldi. 😚
December 29, 2025
“The Cursed Horde King” by Zoey Draven
3.5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“She’d become more to me than I’d ever imagined…and I couldn’t quite pinpoint when it had even happened.”
I’m quite surprised by my rating, but the more I think about it, the more I realize this book was just not for me. I was really looking forward to reading Alaryk’s book, he’s a very intriguing character! I think the big problem I had was, unfortunately, Amaia. I wanted to like her so badly, but her poor decision making skills were downright painful at times. She was constantly doing things that had me wanting to reach into my Kindle and shake her.
On paper, the whole “she’s a spy!” storyline is very compelling. But the execution had me confused. Amaia isn’t really asked much by the other Dokkari sent on this diplomatic exchange, and many times I totally forgot she was asked to spy for the throne. It felt weak, and I expected a bit more ‘umph’. So when the big confrontation happened, it wasn’t as heartbreaking as I had hoped it would be.
I saw someone else point this out, and I feel it’s worth mentioning again, but I feel a bit sad with this new series. The original Horde Kings series ended so nicely, with all the MCs contributing and sacrificing to make their world a better place. But it seems like nothing has really changed in this series. There’s still so much corruption associated with the throne, and yeah, that’s probably the more realistic conclusion; history ebbs and flows. But it’s not what I prefer to read in a romance series. I want a little more hope to hold onto.
I’m not giving up on this series, and I’ll always recommend Zoey’s books, but this is a story I doubt I’ll revisit again.
3.5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“She’d become more to me than I’d ever imagined…and I couldn’t quite pinpoint when it had even happened.”
I’m quite surprised by my rating, but the more I think about it, the more I realize this book was just not for me. I was really looking forward to reading Alaryk’s book, he’s a very intriguing character! I think the big problem I had was, unfortunately, Amaia. I wanted to like her so badly, but her poor decision making skills were downright painful at times. She was constantly doing things that had me wanting to reach into my Kindle and shake her.
On paper, the whole “she’s a spy!” storyline is very compelling. But the execution had me confused. Amaia isn’t really asked much by the other Dokkari sent on this diplomatic exchange, and many times I totally forgot she was asked to spy for the throne. It felt weak, and I expected a bit more ‘umph’. So when the big confrontation happened, it wasn’t as heartbreaking as I had hoped it would be.
I saw someone else point this out, and I feel it’s worth mentioning again, but I feel a bit sad with this new series. The original Horde Kings series ended so nicely, with all the MCs contributing and sacrificing to make their world a better place. But it seems like nothing has really changed in this series. There’s still so much corruption associated with the throne, and yeah, that’s probably the more realistic conclusion; history ebbs and flows. But it’s not what I prefer to read in a romance series. I want a little more hope to hold onto.
I’m not giving up on this series, and I’ll always recommend Zoey’s books, but this is a story I doubt I’ll revisit again.
December 20, 2025
on the 12th day of christmas, zoey brought us: a king with a pierced peen, precious baby dragons, and enough angst and dread to make your stomach turn!!!!!!!
zoey draven literally never misses. i DEVOURED her original horde king series, and didn’t think it could possibly get any better until she decided to reboot it, hundreds of years in the future, with DRAGONS.
this series is fantastic, and between this and zoey’s brides of the kylorr series, i am begging for the staunchly romantasy readers to give both this series and the kylorr series a try because i promise you they’re filled with all of your favorite tropes, cool as hell worldbuilding, and romance that will literally make your heart ache. and also, again: DRAGONS.
while this is only the second book in this spin-off series (of which you don’t have to read the original series, but it does help with context!), it’s decidedly one of my all time favorites. this installment brought us an angsty king battling a curse, and a spy-slash-veterinarian-slash-healer FMC who is the only person with gifts enough to help save both him and his cursed dragon. enter: reluctant allies with sizzling sexual tension.
this was delicious, and fun, and everything i wanted PLUS cutie baby dragons. writing santa immediately to ask for 10000000 more books in this series.
one million forehead kisses to zoey and naomi for the chance to read this early!!!
zoey draven literally never misses. i DEVOURED her original horde king series, and didn’t think it could possibly get any better until she decided to reboot it, hundreds of years in the future, with DRAGONS.
this series is fantastic, and between this and zoey’s brides of the kylorr series, i am begging for the staunchly romantasy readers to give both this series and the kylorr series a try because i promise you they’re filled with all of your favorite tropes, cool as hell worldbuilding, and romance that will literally make your heart ache. and also, again: DRAGONS.
while this is only the second book in this spin-off series (of which you don’t have to read the original series, but it does help with context!), it’s decidedly one of my all time favorites. this installment brought us an angsty king battling a curse, and a spy-slash-veterinarian-slash-healer FMC who is the only person with gifts enough to help save both him and his cursed dragon. enter: reluctant allies with sizzling sexual tension.
this was delicious, and fun, and everything i wanted PLUS cutie baby dragons. writing santa immediately to ask for 10000000 more books in this series.
one million forehead kisses to zoey and naomi for the chance to read this early!!!
Read
December 13, 2025Genre: Sci-fi Romance
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 2 in an incomplete interconnected standalone series. Dual first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
Having read Zoey's entire backlog, I'm always excited when she has a new release. I haven't read a book of hers that I've hated or had to DNF. That being said, this one may be one of my least favorite.
It started off strong. About 15% in I was ready for another banger. Then it took a turn and started to feel almost icky. The FMC Amaia has her strengths and weaknesses, unfortunately her weaknesses stay at the forefront too often. Her inner turmoil over her self inflicted dilemma had me rolling my eyes at times. She had so many opportunities to do the right thing and chose wrong based on guesses and chances. It got to be too much at times. The MMC Alaryk felt one dimensional for most of the story. Even as his story unfolds it's hard to feel his depth of character. Then when it does start shining through it feels rushed. This story is not insta lust but when the lust comes it turns to more too quickly for the circumstances. Forgiveness for betrayals come too easily. Nothing feels earned. I think it needed another 50 pages to give us a more fitting transition from betrayal to a HEA.
All that being said, this is still a Horde King book in Zoey's universe and you should definitely give it a read. I will always love her writing style and no one builds a world better than her. The spice is kicked up a notch in this one and it will leave you sweating! The side characters as always are top notch. I found myself wanting to know more about Amaia's brother. Can we get a side quest??? 😂
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 2 in an incomplete interconnected standalone series. Dual first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
Having read Zoey's entire backlog, I'm always excited when she has a new release. I haven't read a book of hers that I've hated or had to DNF. That being said, this one may be one of my least favorite.
It started off strong. About 15% in I was ready for another banger. Then it took a turn and started to feel almost icky. The FMC Amaia has her strengths and weaknesses, unfortunately her weaknesses stay at the forefront too often. Her inner turmoil over her self inflicted dilemma had me rolling my eyes at times. She had so many opportunities to do the right thing and chose wrong based on guesses and chances. It got to be too much at times. The MMC Alaryk felt one dimensional for most of the story. Even as his story unfolds it's hard to feel his depth of character. Then when it does start shining through it feels rushed. This story is not insta lust but when the lust comes it turns to more too quickly for the circumstances. Forgiveness for betrayals come too easily. Nothing feels earned. I think it needed another 50 pages to give us a more fitting transition from betrayal to a HEA.
All that being said, this is still a Horde King book in Zoey's universe and you should definitely give it a read. I will always love her writing style and no one builds a world better than her. The spice is kicked up a notch in this one and it will leave you sweating! The side characters as always are top notch. I found myself wanting to know more about Amaia's brother. Can we get a side quest??? 😂
December 10, 2025
2.5/5
Safety info (spoilers) ‼️
‼️‼️‼️‼️
I’m so sad to say I was disappointed with this book. It was going great until the 17% mark.
Alaryk, after meeting and interacting with Amaia, sleeps with another woman. Here are a few quotes:
“When I looked back to the head table, I saw that Alaryk and Rivenna were gone. I gazed around, searching for a silver-haired male, but found none.”
“I’d been roused from a restless sleep, fueled partially by my lust but mostly by my dissatisfaction from my encounter with Rivenna. I took her as my lover in Grymia because she shared certain proclivities when it came to sex. But even still, I was growing more and more restless, the anger coming quick and hard and merciless. And when I spent it inside her body, I didn’t feel the relief I usually did.
I’d stumbled from Rivenna’s home, leaving her sprawled on her bed where I hadn’t meant to fall asleep, lacing up my trews as I’d sprinted toward Samryn’s call. I’d left my tunic behind in my haste.”
“She’d had no problem fitting in at a feast full of them. And I had envied her for that gift as I’d watched her dance and sway in the crowd. I’d been…enthralled, though I’d never admit it.”
- then he went and fucked another woman
“The hair on the back of my neck rose. Where Rivenna had bitten me, on my shoulder, hard enough to draw blood, ached as my heart pounded. The base of my spine, where my tail had once been, tingled, making my flesh itch.”
- I don’t- no, I don’t WANT these details!
I’m sorry, but this a huge turn off. And it added nothing, absolutely nothing to the plot. There wasn’t any OW drama or anything which I appreciate. However this small detail tainted the rest of my experience. When they had sex, I kept thinking “his dick was in another woman a week ago.”
I’d considered ZD books generally Safe but after Hunger in his Blood and now this, I don’t think I can jump into one of her books blindly.
Safety info (spoilers) ‼️
‼️‼️‼️‼️
I’m so sad to say I was disappointed with this book. It was going great until the 17% mark.
Alaryk, after meeting and interacting with Amaia, sleeps with another woman. Here are a few quotes:
“When I looked back to the head table, I saw that Alaryk and Rivenna were gone. I gazed around, searching for a silver-haired male, but found none.”
“I’d been roused from a restless sleep, fueled partially by my lust but mostly by my dissatisfaction from my encounter with Rivenna. I took her as my lover in Grymia because she shared certain proclivities when it came to sex. But even still, I was growing more and more restless, the anger coming quick and hard and merciless. And when I spent it inside her body, I didn’t feel the relief I usually did.
I’d stumbled from Rivenna’s home, leaving her sprawled on her bed where I hadn’t meant to fall asleep, lacing up my trews as I’d sprinted toward Samryn’s call. I’d left my tunic behind in my haste.”
“She’d had no problem fitting in at a feast full of them. And I had envied her for that gift as I’d watched her dance and sway in the crowd. I’d been…enthralled, though I’d never admit it.”
- then he went and fucked another woman
“The hair on the back of my neck rose. Where Rivenna had bitten me, on my shoulder, hard enough to draw blood, ached as my heart pounded. The base of my spine, where my tail had once been, tingled, making my flesh itch.”
- I don’t- no, I don’t WANT these details!
I’m sorry, but this a huge turn off. And it added nothing, absolutely nothing to the plot. There wasn’t any OW drama or anything which I appreciate. However this small detail tainted the rest of my experience. When they had sex, I kept thinking “his dick was in another woman a week ago.”
I’d considered ZD books generally Safe but after Hunger in his Blood and now this, I don’t think I can jump into one of her books blindly.
December 13, 2025
Did I tell you today that I love this awesome world Zoey Draven created?
This book was a need and I was hooked from page 1 and finished it in a day.
Where Sarkin was kinda straight forward and honourable, Alaryk was unapologetically drenched in grey. He was ruthless and cunning. Amaia was an interesting heroine. She was curious, gifted and loyal to her family.
They were two different type of people from different world and different upbringing but somehow they fit.
My favourite in the whole book was Alaryk’s dragon- Samryn. He was so cranky and wonderful. I couldn’t get enough of his scenes.
More than anything I enjoyed the writing style. The world building, protagonists, secondary characters and dragons— so good! There was mystery, tension, angst and drama. I couldn’t predict the next move. And I totally didn’t see the twist in the climax coming.
Ending felt a tad bit rushed and I wish Amaia was a little more badass in the climax but I enjoyed the last part and epilogue.
Overall a good addition to this series.
-Romantasy.
-Spy x Horde king.
-Forbidden.
-Bonding.
-Dragons.
-KU, Recommend but read in order.
Safety- this wasn’t safe enough for me and that’s why I didn’t give it more 🌟. H sleeps with his mistress after meeting and interacting with heroine. It wasn’t a detailed scene (thank god) but I was still bothered by it.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a need and I was hooked from page 1 and finished it in a day.
Where Sarkin was kinda straight forward and honourable, Alaryk was unapologetically drenched in grey. He was ruthless and cunning. Amaia was an interesting heroine. She was curious, gifted and loyal to her family.
They were two different type of people from different world and different upbringing but somehow they fit.
My favourite in the whole book was Alaryk’s dragon- Samryn. He was so cranky and wonderful. I couldn’t get enough of his scenes.
More than anything I enjoyed the writing style. The world building, protagonists, secondary characters and dragons— so good! There was mystery, tension, angst and drama. I couldn’t predict the next move. And I totally didn’t see the twist in the climax coming.
Ending felt a tad bit rushed and I wish Amaia was a little more badass in the climax but I enjoyed the last part and epilogue.
Overall a good addition to this series.
-Romantasy.
-Spy x Horde king.
-Forbidden.
-Bonding.
-Dragons.
-KU, Recommend but read in order.
Safety- this wasn’t safe enough for me and that’s why I didn’t give it more 🌟. H sleeps with his mistress after meeting and interacting with heroine. It wasn’t a detailed scene (thank god) but I was still bothered by it.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2025
RTC. I need to sleep on this before I collect my thoughts, but this may be my least favourite book by Zoey Draven and it BREAKS my heart. 😭
December 23, 2025
What a fun read! Love her books!
December 29, 2025
If you had told me a year ago that I’d be utterly losing my mind over horde kings, dragon riders, or horned blood-drinking aliens, I would have suggested your crystal ball needed polishing. But then I read my first Zoey Draven novel, and everything changed. We return to the world of the Hordes of the Elthika with the story of a gifted pyroki master apprentice, Amaia, who accepts to be sent to the far nation of Karak to work at a dragon hatchery, all the while spying for the throne of Dothik. But her new home is nothing like she expected it to be, its people welcoming and kind, and its king, Alaryk, proves to be the most formidable male she’s ever met. Torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing attachment to Alaryk and his people, Amaia must decide whether to follow her heart or obey the wishes of a capricious ruler and risk losing a love like no other. If you love steam, angst, grovelling, and your hero . . . ahem . . . pierced in more places than one, this book hits all the spots, and more.
December 4, 2025
You can find this review of The Cursed Horde King on my blog, Heart's Content!
The biggest, most grateful shout out to the author Zoey Draven for giving me an opportunity to read The Cursed Horde King early, in exchange for an honest review!
In our reader lives, we come across several stories, several characters, several authors and several emotions. But some special ones stitch themselves into our heart and forever remain in our minds as fond memories that we recall from time to time.
Each reader comes across one such author at least once in a few years, and it was my absolute luck to have stumbled upon Draven’s work, that felt like it was written for my heart’s pleasure and my soul’s consumption. Books that make me think, that make me understand, are my favourite and I finally made sense of something that I have struggled with these past few years.
Draven’s writing was the warmest, most welcoming space I have ever sunk into. I went from dipping a toe to test the waters, straight into the very depths, in less than two sentences. It was the strangest occurrence, but I found myself constantly feeling like Draven has written this book with the understanding of what exact question the reader would have in their mind at any given moment. I found myself—at multiple points—flipping a page to find the answer to a question I had just asked out loud (yes, I do that. We do not judge in this blog). Writing that is done this way, even while ensuring it is never overwhelming—especially in the genre of fantasy—is a wonderful to experience as a reader!
There’s beauty in simplicity and Draven reminds us of that through every page of TCHK, even while subtly emphasising on all the complex themes, emotions and relationships. Somehow TCHK accomplishes the two in a perfectly balanced, emotional and addictive journey.
The narration in this story happens in first person perspective that switches in infrequent intervals between the FMC and the MMC in a really well done dual POV. If you’ve read my reviews before, you would know I generally prefer single person POVs, I’m rarely fond of dual perspectives and even more wary of multiple POVs. However, strangely, around 25% into this book, I found myself wondering (as one chapter ended) whether the next would be the MMC’s, to see what he thought of something that had just happened. This is something that I’ve never ever thought before; usually I’m very happy to be kept in the dark about the MMC’s thoughts and feelings and enjoy finding out near the end when he finally reveals them. It’s safe to say, Draven has turned my preferences on their head.
TCHK is part of an interconnected series, that also works well as a standalone. I often love stepping into a series mid-way, just to see what it feels like. Some books feel like I’ve walked into a room of strangers that already know each other, whose inside jokes I don’t understand and world I don’t fit in. But with this book, everyone felt mine. The world, the characters, their connections and their stories are all built from scratch right in front of the reader’s eyes; even while nurturing a lovely curiosity inside us, to wonder about the characters that appear in short and intriguing cameos. It’s safe to say I’m going to be diving into book one as soon as possible.
The plot of this story, I think, is likely going to have a thread that spans across the whole series. The primary thread (let’s call it) is quite evident from page one; the other threads are personal to each book and while they may not immediately seem relevant to the final standing structure of the series, their importance—when done well—will be evident through every brick of the whole series. I can’t wait to see the whole series come to fruition.
The interesting contradiction in the genre of fantasy is that the more ‘real’ it reads, the more magical it feels. Confusing, right? Okay, so think about your favourite fantasy based world/book. Now, tell me why you like it? Consider if it’s because it’s written in a way that makes it believable and at the same time woven in with the kind of problems you could relate to in your life right now. The trick to fantasy (ironically) is creating a world that doesn’t feel like it’s happening in a place, setting or people that you cannot imagine. Rather, it’s like you feel like it could be you. You could imagine yourself feeling this way, struggling with these actions, debating on the morality of somethings and considering the mortality of your loved ones. Draven has done—in case my gushing paragraph wasn’t clear—a fantastic job in creating her world and I cannot think of another FMC I found myself admiring so quickly, even if I didn’t always understand her choices. Which is the whole point, right?
I think it’s safe to say, the characters in this story have my heart. The best stories are those whose secondary characters have as much a personality as the primary. When their roles go beyond plot fillers or humour, that’s when it works best. Draven has somehow managed to accomplish all this in her book. I’ve only otherwise seen it done this well by K.F. Breene. So, if you like her work, consider checking out Draven‘s too!
The pace that Draven sets is wonderfully even, but given how compelling the storytelling is, I would say that the reader has a immersive experience that’s somehow over but at the same time not (in our hearts at least).
Do I need to confirm my rating, or can you already guess? *wink*
Happy reading, my loves! As always, please do check trigger warnings, the author was kind enough to list them in the book
The biggest, most grateful shout out to the author Zoey Draven for giving me an opportunity to read The Cursed Horde King early, in exchange for an honest review!
In our reader lives, we come across several stories, several characters, several authors and several emotions. But some special ones stitch themselves into our heart and forever remain in our minds as fond memories that we recall from time to time.
Each reader comes across one such author at least once in a few years, and it was my absolute luck to have stumbled upon Draven’s work, that felt like it was written for my heart’s pleasure and my soul’s consumption. Books that make me think, that make me understand, are my favourite and I finally made sense of something that I have struggled with these past few years.
Draven’s writing was the warmest, most welcoming space I have ever sunk into. I went from dipping a toe to test the waters, straight into the very depths, in less than two sentences. It was the strangest occurrence, but I found myself constantly feeling like Draven has written this book with the understanding of what exact question the reader would have in their mind at any given moment. I found myself—at multiple points—flipping a page to find the answer to a question I had just asked out loud (yes, I do that. We do not judge in this blog). Writing that is done this way, even while ensuring it is never overwhelming—especially in the genre of fantasy—is a wonderful to experience as a reader!
There’s beauty in simplicity and Draven reminds us of that through every page of TCHK, even while subtly emphasising on all the complex themes, emotions and relationships. Somehow TCHK accomplishes the two in a perfectly balanced, emotional and addictive journey.
The narration in this story happens in first person perspective that switches in infrequent intervals between the FMC and the MMC in a really well done dual POV. If you’ve read my reviews before, you would know I generally prefer single person POVs, I’m rarely fond of dual perspectives and even more wary of multiple POVs. However, strangely, around 25% into this book, I found myself wondering (as one chapter ended) whether the next would be the MMC’s, to see what he thought of something that had just happened. This is something that I’ve never ever thought before; usually I’m very happy to be kept in the dark about the MMC’s thoughts and feelings and enjoy finding out near the end when he finally reveals them. It’s safe to say, Draven has turned my preferences on their head.
TCHK is part of an interconnected series, that also works well as a standalone. I often love stepping into a series mid-way, just to see what it feels like. Some books feel like I’ve walked into a room of strangers that already know each other, whose inside jokes I don’t understand and world I don’t fit in. But with this book, everyone felt mine. The world, the characters, their connections and their stories are all built from scratch right in front of the reader’s eyes; even while nurturing a lovely curiosity inside us, to wonder about the characters that appear in short and intriguing cameos. It’s safe to say I’m going to be diving into book one as soon as possible.
The plot of this story, I think, is likely going to have a thread that spans across the whole series. The primary thread (let’s call it) is quite evident from page one; the other threads are personal to each book and while they may not immediately seem relevant to the final standing structure of the series, their importance—when done well—will be evident through every brick of the whole series. I can’t wait to see the whole series come to fruition.
The interesting contradiction in the genre of fantasy is that the more ‘real’ it reads, the more magical it feels. Confusing, right? Okay, so think about your favourite fantasy based world/book. Now, tell me why you like it? Consider if it’s because it’s written in a way that makes it believable and at the same time woven in with the kind of problems you could relate to in your life right now. The trick to fantasy (ironically) is creating a world that doesn’t feel like it’s happening in a place, setting or people that you cannot imagine. Rather, it’s like you feel like it could be you. You could imagine yourself feeling this way, struggling with these actions, debating on the morality of somethings and considering the mortality of your loved ones. Draven has done—in case my gushing paragraph wasn’t clear—a fantastic job in creating her world and I cannot think of another FMC I found myself admiring so quickly, even if I didn’t always understand her choices. Which is the whole point, right?
I think it’s safe to say, the characters in this story have my heart. The best stories are those whose secondary characters have as much a personality as the primary. When their roles go beyond plot fillers or humour, that’s when it works best. Draven has somehow managed to accomplish all this in her book. I’ve only otherwise seen it done this well by K.F. Breene. So, if you like her work, consider checking out Draven‘s too!
The pace that Draven sets is wonderfully even, but given how compelling the storytelling is, I would say that the reader has a immersive experience that’s somehow over but at the same time not (in our hearts at least).
Do I need to confirm my rating, or can you already guess? *wink*
Happy reading, my loves! As always, please do check trigger warnings, the author was kind enough to list them in the book
December 8, 2025
Zoey Draven remains one of my top notch favorite authors. Every world she creates becomes a home, and that's how it's felt returning to the Hordes of the Elthika series. A return to home, one I am very comfortable in saying is my favorite of the two current entries in this series.
I adored The Cursed Horde King, it brings a terrific medley of angst, swoons, and heart.
This slow burns begins with an agreement struck between Amaia and Alaryk for the former to use her hidden healing magic to save his Elthika (like a dragon). The initial relationship between our leads is tentative, at times biting, and always pushing. Pushing one another's patience, their trust (or mistrust perhaps better said), and of course, pushing that alluring pull between them. But the underlying attraction simmers beneath the surface until it reaches a full boil, exploding into fireworks. I did wish this moment arrived a bit earlier, but my goodness how well earned it is!
Trust is certainly the main theme between Amaia and Alaryk, for neither ever fully gives until (at least while secrets are kept for one, and distrust remains in the other). I thought this portion of the narrative delivered excellent angst. As readers we are well aware of Amaia's actions, choice is not at her ready disposable, but what remains of her agency she uses well in this new environment she now resides in. She finds a sort of freedom she did not have at her home. She tends to the animals, she forges friendship, and she finds her heart warming Alaryk. She finds a home, which makes the secret she forcibly holds all the more heart-wrenching. Then there's Alaryk who senses the truth in Amaia's character: her generosity, her kindness, and her selflessness, but missteps along the way, causing a deep hurt. Now we have even more angst and you know I thrive on that! This is a narrative with heavy emotional stakes and every action has consequence. To the very end we see each consequence through, even when it brings hurt, regret, and sorrow. And I'll even admit, the thrill too, because you know right around the corner of every angst-filled path, is the hope to make things right.
And you can absolutely count on these wonderful leads to fight to do just that. To make things right.
Another exhilarating journey by Zoey Draven! I can't wait to travel the next one!
Thank you to Zoey Draven for the complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
I adored The Cursed Horde King, it brings a terrific medley of angst, swoons, and heart.
This slow burns begins with an agreement struck between Amaia and Alaryk for the former to use her hidden healing magic to save his Elthika (like a dragon). The initial relationship between our leads is tentative, at times biting, and always pushing. Pushing one another's patience, their trust (or mistrust perhaps better said), and of course, pushing that alluring pull between them. But the underlying attraction simmers beneath the surface until it reaches a full boil, exploding into fireworks. I did wish this moment arrived a bit earlier, but my goodness how well earned it is!
Trust is certainly the main theme between Amaia and Alaryk, for neither ever fully gives until (at least while secrets are kept for one, and distrust remains in the other). I thought this portion of the narrative delivered excellent angst. As readers we are well aware of Amaia's actions, choice is not at her ready disposable, but what remains of her agency she uses well in this new environment she now resides in. She finds a sort of freedom she did not have at her home. She tends to the animals, she forges friendship, and she finds her heart warming Alaryk. She finds a home, which makes the secret she forcibly holds all the more heart-wrenching. Then there's Alaryk who senses the truth in Amaia's character: her generosity, her kindness, and her selflessness, but missteps along the way, causing a deep hurt. Now we have even more angst and you know I thrive on that! This is a narrative with heavy emotional stakes and every action has consequence. To the very end we see each consequence through, even when it brings hurt, regret, and sorrow. And I'll even admit, the thrill too, because you know right around the corner of every angst-filled path, is the hope to make things right.
And you can absolutely count on these wonderful leads to fight to do just that. To make things right.
Another exhilarating journey by Zoey Draven! I can't wait to travel the next one!
Thank you to Zoey Draven for the complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
December 9, 2025
4-4.5 stars!
I was so happy to be back in Dakkar. This time with our white haired Karath, Alaryk. Our heroine Amaia was put in a hard position and is forced to live the next season with his people and learn the ways of the Karag and the Elthika. There, she learns more about herself and finds herself getting closer to Alaryk.
Can I just say, Alaryk was such a hottie? His personality, his erm…piercings!!!!! Hot damn! He truly was a multi-faceted character where his traumas made sense for his demeanor. Amaia was also just a sublime character. The way she was written you couldn’t help but feel for her and her struggles. I love when authors truly develop their characters to the point where you can pinpoint what their likes and dislikes are, you feel like you know them personally. Zoey Draven always writes such well rounded characters that stick with you.
Their romance started off a little shaky to me, hard to grasp because of how they started but I did truly come to love them. I would have wished for a few things to play out differently but I completely understand while Zoey Draven went the way she did. Alaryk and Amaia complimented each other and truly shined together.
The world building is always top-tier, we see more of the world and a continuation of the politics from the first one in this one. We do delve deeper into the heartstone magic and I LOVE when authors build upon their world. I strongly dislike when we’re just stagnant—keeping the world building to a point where you understand just enough to push the romance forward. While these books are romance first, they truly do benefit from the well thought out world building that compliments the romance and aides in that development. I love how rich and well written Zoey Draven’s series are, she truly spends her time developing these worlds and characters and it shows in her amazing storytelling.
Another aspect in which this one differs from the first one in the series is that the dragons, the Elthika, aren’t so much in the forefront in the same way. Instead of seeing the gruesome nature of them and the brutality riders go through to bond with an Elthika, we see how their journey usually starts in the horde. While it’s a bit of a shift, we do see other unique facets of this lore rich world that I think readers will enjoy!
Cannot wait for more!
**Thank you to Zoey Draven and team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
I was so happy to be back in Dakkar. This time with our white haired Karath, Alaryk. Our heroine Amaia was put in a hard position and is forced to live the next season with his people and learn the ways of the Karag and the Elthika. There, she learns more about herself and finds herself getting closer to Alaryk.
Can I just say, Alaryk was such a hottie? His personality, his erm…piercings!!!!! Hot damn! He truly was a multi-faceted character where his traumas made sense for his demeanor. Amaia was also just a sublime character. The way she was written you couldn’t help but feel for her and her struggles. I love when authors truly develop their characters to the point where you can pinpoint what their likes and dislikes are, you feel like you know them personally. Zoey Draven always writes such well rounded characters that stick with you.
Their romance started off a little shaky to me, hard to grasp because of how they started but I did truly come to love them. I would have wished for a few things to play out differently but I completely understand while Zoey Draven went the way she did. Alaryk and Amaia complimented each other and truly shined together.
The world building is always top-tier, we see more of the world and a continuation of the politics from the first one in this one. We do delve deeper into the heartstone magic and I LOVE when authors build upon their world. I strongly dislike when we’re just stagnant—keeping the world building to a point where you understand just enough to push the romance forward. While these books are romance first, they truly do benefit from the well thought out world building that compliments the romance and aides in that development. I love how rich and well written Zoey Draven’s series are, she truly spends her time developing these worlds and characters and it shows in her amazing storytelling.
Another aspect in which this one differs from the first one in the series is that the dragons, the Elthika, aren’t so much in the forefront in the same way. Instead of seeing the gruesome nature of them and the brutality riders go through to bond with an Elthika, we see how their journey usually starts in the horde. While it’s a bit of a shift, we do see other unique facets of this lore rich world that I think readers will enjoy!
Cannot wait for more!
**Thank you to Zoey Draven and team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
Currently reading
December 11, 2025On hold @ 34%
At chapter 10 the mmc slept with another woman. It was not in detail and was not shown (thankfully) but the mmc described how he spent the night with the ow and spent inside her and still felt restless and I’m done. At least for now.
Look I know the mmc and fmc aren’t together yet at that time but I don’t want to read a book where the mmc slept with someone else when both characters already met. I loved the author’s horde kings series and I don’t quite remember if that series (apart from the fourth book) has the same scenario like this but I don’t think so because I really enjoyed that series. It’s also why I slowly loose my interest in her Brides of the Kylorr series especially that third book still leaves a bitter taste even until now.
At chapter 10 the mmc slept with another woman. It was not in detail and was not shown (thankfully) but the mmc described how he spent the night with the ow and spent inside her and still felt restless and I’m done. At least for now.
Look I know the mmc and fmc aren’t together yet at that time but I don’t want to read a book where the mmc slept with someone else when both characters already met. I loved the author’s horde kings series and I don’t quite remember if that series (apart from the fourth book) has the same scenario like this but I don’t think so because I really enjoyed that series. It’s also why I slowly loose my interest in her Brides of the Kylorr series especially that third book still leaves a bitter taste even until now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 3, 2025ARC read.
Interesting start.
Heroine is sent to 'spy' on other nation. Totally niave here... what was she expecting, of course they wanted information.
Hero is with another woman of his tribe early on, no scenes other than its said she's sitting on his lap and they have been 'seeing' each other for a year.
He doesn't visit her again after the Hero and heroine have a significant interaction.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
Interesting start.
Heroine is sent to 'spy' on other nation. Totally niave here... what was she expecting, of course they wanted information.
Hero is with another woman of his tribe early on, no scenes other than its said she's sitting on his lap and they have been 'seeing' each other for a year.
He doesn't visit her again after the Hero and heroine have a significant interaction.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
I can never get enough Horde Kings in my life
10000000/10 stars for this book!! I absolutely devoured it like I do every book Zoey writes.
These characters struggles felt so real and intense seeing them overcome their own issues was the best part 🥹💗
Amaia & Alaryk are EVERYTHING
Also a pierced you know what 😉 always makes things more interesting hehe
Seriously though we get bay pyroki and elthika and they are so freaking cuteeeeeee gah! Zoey did a fantastic job with this book and I’m obsessed 😍
10000000/10 stars for this book!! I absolutely devoured it like I do every book Zoey writes.
These characters struggles felt so real and intense seeing them overcome their own issues was the best part 🥹💗
Amaia & Alaryk are EVERYTHING
Also a pierced you know what 😉 always makes things more interesting hehe
Seriously though we get bay pyroki and elthika and they are so freaking cuteeeeeee gah! Zoey did a fantastic job with this book and I’m obsessed 😍
December 28, 2025
Yes. I love this universe so much and was happy to return to it. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first book mostly because I liked the FMC waaay more. the story was exciting, and it hopefully continues!!
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