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The Drakon King
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Expected 10 Nov 26Queer, Black, and sexy as hell, The Drakon King is romantasy at its best: A forbidden love story between princes in the court of a cruel king and an edge-of-your-seat tale of missing dragons, ruthless betrayals, and stolen hearts.
Two princes, born to a world at war.
Heir to a kingdom built on lies and stolen magic, Prince Reverie has one goal: avoid the crown. Raised by a cruel and violent king, Reverie’s real life begins after curfew―bottle service, masked revelries, top-shelf highs, and anonymous rooftop liaisons. But when his king plots to seize dwindling majikal resources from the Drakon King, Reverie hits his limit―he casts aside his royal obligations and gets the hell outta town. Better a free fugitive than a tortured captive.
Heir to a kingdom banished into the sky, Prince Xandreth has one goal: find a missing friend. His brother, the Drakon King, stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that their people keep going missing, so Xandreth takes it upon himself to hunt down answers.
A meeting that will change them both.
Having abandoned their kingdoms, both princes end up stranded in the dangerous and bewitching Wraithwood, and out of desperation, agree to help each other and then go their separate ways.
A love that will save their world.
But when a myth as old as the world―a bird on fire in the belly of a massive volcano―is whispered from Human lips to Drakon ears, Reverie and Xandreth are suddenly at the heart of a crisis so much bigger than a missing friend or even freedom.
If they can’t come together, the world itself may go up in flames.
Perfect for fans of Crescent City, When the Moon Hatched, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, Fourth Wing, and the world of Blade Runner.
The hardcover edition includes a gorgeous two-page world map.
Expect:
- Black mlm romance
- Dragons
- Forced proximity
- Rivals to lovers
- Cinnamon roll mmc
- Epic worldbuilding
- Powerful witches
- Mechs and magical tech
Two princes, born to a world at war.
Heir to a kingdom built on lies and stolen magic, Prince Reverie has one goal: avoid the crown. Raised by a cruel and violent king, Reverie’s real life begins after curfew―bottle service, masked revelries, top-shelf highs, and anonymous rooftop liaisons. But when his king plots to seize dwindling majikal resources from the Drakon King, Reverie hits his limit―he casts aside his royal obligations and gets the hell outta town. Better a free fugitive than a tortured captive.
Heir to a kingdom banished into the sky, Prince Xandreth has one goal: find a missing friend. His brother, the Drakon King, stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that their people keep going missing, so Xandreth takes it upon himself to hunt down answers.
A meeting that will change them both.
Having abandoned their kingdoms, both princes end up stranded in the dangerous and bewitching Wraithwood, and out of desperation, agree to help each other and then go their separate ways.
A love that will save their world.
But when a myth as old as the world―a bird on fire in the belly of a massive volcano―is whispered from Human lips to Drakon ears, Reverie and Xandreth are suddenly at the heart of a crisis so much bigger than a missing friend or even freedom.
If they can’t come together, the world itself may go up in flames.
Perfect for fans of Crescent City, When the Moon Hatched, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, Fourth Wing, and the world of Blade Runner.
The hardcover edition includes a gorgeous two-page world map.
Expect:
- Black mlm romance
- Dragons
- Forced proximity
- Rivals to lovers
- Cinnamon roll mmc
- Epic worldbuilding
- Powerful witches
- Mechs and magical tech
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC Review ✨
First, Terry J. Benton-Walker thank you so much for gifting us readers this ARC and taking the time to sign it. It truly means a lot, and I’m so grateful I got to experience this story early.
Tropes:
• Queer love
• Fantasy + technology
• First love
• Enemies to friends to lovers
• Healing through love
This story follows a human prince and a dragon prince who fall in love, and I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The fantasy elements were so refreshing, especially the way technology and magic were blended together.It felt new, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve read before. I won’t spoil anything, but the worldbuilding especially how the city functions is incredibly well done.
And can we talk about the fact that this is a standalone fantasy? That alone makes it a gem. Getting a full, complete story in one book is rare, and Terry truly delivered.
The journey with Reverie was everything. As the crown prince, he carries so much weight his internal struggles, his longing to be loved, and his desire to escape a life others might envy. The emotional depth in this book is powerful. Terry doesn’t just tell Reverie’s story he makes you feel it. When Reverie hurts, you hurt. When he finds moments of happiness, you feel that too. Honestly That level of emotional connection is not easy to achieve, but it was done beautifully here.
Then we meet Xanderth, the dragon prince and I absolutely loved him. The relationship between him and Reverie felt natural and deeply emotional. They complement each other so well, helping one another heal and grow. Their love story was tender, meaningful, and unforgettable.
The worldbuilding was detailed but never overwhelming. Even at 600+ pages in ARC format, I never felt bored or lost. Everything flowed, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time.
Verdit: Ruined...Ruined How am I’m supposed to move on to another book after living in this world for so long. I’m holding onto this ARC like my life depends on it.
You said you poured your heart into this story and it shows. I’m so grateful I got to read it, and I cannot wait to purchase my finished copy when it releases on 11/10/2026.
I absolutely loved it. 💖
First, Terry J. Benton-Walker thank you so much for gifting us readers this ARC and taking the time to sign it. It truly means a lot, and I’m so grateful I got to experience this story early.
Tropes:
• Queer love
• Fantasy + technology
• First love
• Enemies to friends to lovers
• Healing through love
This story follows a human prince and a dragon prince who fall in love, and I was completely captivated from beginning to end. The fantasy elements were so refreshing, especially the way technology and magic were blended together.It felt new, immersive, and unlike anything I’ve read before. I won’t spoil anything, but the worldbuilding especially how the city functions is incredibly well done.
And can we talk about the fact that this is a standalone fantasy? That alone makes it a gem. Getting a full, complete story in one book is rare, and Terry truly delivered.
The journey with Reverie was everything. As the crown prince, he carries so much weight his internal struggles, his longing to be loved, and his desire to escape a life others might envy. The emotional depth in this book is powerful. Terry doesn’t just tell Reverie’s story he makes you feel it. When Reverie hurts, you hurt. When he finds moments of happiness, you feel that too. Honestly That level of emotional connection is not easy to achieve, but it was done beautifully here.
Then we meet Xanderth, the dragon prince and I absolutely loved him. The relationship between him and Reverie felt natural and deeply emotional. They complement each other so well, helping one another heal and grow. Their love story was tender, meaningful, and unforgettable.
The worldbuilding was detailed but never overwhelming. Even at 600+ pages in ARC format, I never felt bored or lost. Everything flowed, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time.
Verdit: Ruined...Ruined How am I’m supposed to move on to another book after living in this world for so long. I’m holding onto this ARC like my life depends on it.
You said you poured your heart into this story and it shows. I’m so grateful I got to read it, and I cannot wait to purchase my finished copy when it releases on 11/10/2026.
I absolutely loved it. 💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Drakon King was giving everything I wanted in a romantasy and then some. Dragons, princes, forbidden love, betrayal, tension, and a world so cool I wanted to move in immediately.
First of all, this worldbuilding ate. The mix of magic, royal drama, futuristic tech, and danger around every corner made this feel fresh and exciting the entire time. It had that kind of story where every chapter gives you something new.
Reverie and Xandreth? I was seated. Both of them had so much depth, pressure, and personal baggage, which made their connection hit even harder. Watching them figure out who they are outside of their kingdoms while slowly falling for each other was so good.
And the romance absolutely delivered. Forced proximity, rivals to lovers energy, tension for days, and that slow build where every little moment means something. I was eating it up.
This book also had action, twists, secrets, and betrayals that kept me locked in. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, something else happened.
What I loved most is that it felt fun, bold, and fresh while still giving all the fantasy drama and swoon worthy moments.
First of all, this worldbuilding ate. The mix of magic, royal drama, futuristic tech, and danger around every corner made this feel fresh and exciting the entire time. It had that kind of story where every chapter gives you something new.
Reverie and Xandreth? I was seated. Both of them had so much depth, pressure, and personal baggage, which made their connection hit even harder. Watching them figure out who they are outside of their kingdoms while slowly falling for each other was so good.
And the romance absolutely delivered. Forced proximity, rivals to lovers energy, tension for days, and that slow build where every little moment means something. I was eating it up.
This book also had action, twists, secrets, and betrayals that kept me locked in. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, something else happened.
What I loved most is that it felt fun, bold, and fresh while still giving all the fantasy drama and swoon worthy moments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of The Drakon King by Terry J. Benton-Walker, and WOW. This book completely pulled me in from the very first page. It’s thrilling, emotional, sexy 🥵, and genuinely epic in scope. The worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, and the characters feel so alive that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading.
Reverie is such a compelling protagonist, and the way Terry explores power, identity, desire, trauma, and love through him felt incredibly layered and human. The political tension, the dragons, the magic, the romance….all of it just works together so well. And the sex? Whew. SPICY. AND REAL! 🌶️
We Black queer men are so rarely seen in romantasy and just like in Blood Debts and Alex Wise, it is so validating seeing ourselves on the page in an industry where we’re shown time and time again that our existence is invalid. Thank you Terry, for the incredible work you do putting our stories on the forefront.
Huge thank you to Terry for the ARC. Fantasy readers, especially queer fantasy readers, are going to EAT this up.
Reverie is such a compelling protagonist, and the way Terry explores power, identity, desire, trauma, and love through him felt incredibly layered and human. The political tension, the dragons, the magic, the romance….all of it just works together so well. And the sex? Whew. SPICY. AND REAL! 🌶️
We Black queer men are so rarely seen in romantasy and just like in Blood Debts and Alex Wise, it is so validating seeing ourselves on the page in an industry where we’re shown time and time again that our existence is invalid. Thank you Terry, for the incredible work you do putting our stories on the forefront.
Huge thank you to Terry for the ARC. Fantasy readers, especially queer fantasy readers, are going to EAT this up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all thank you Netgalley I was privileged enough to receive the ARC of this book.
Omg I did not imagine I would love an MM fantasy this much it literally blew my mind. Guys if you are skeptical about it because you have never read MM fantasy I promise you this is the best book to start.
The world building the storyline and the plot the way they were explained was perfect it didn’t even feel like info dumping.
And don’t even get me started on my babies Reverie and Xandreth (screaming) I loved them so much the emotional depth the baggage the romance was 100% giving. The rivals to lovers trope and forced proximity was perfectly executed in accordance to their characters.
I very much loved the futuristic setting and the workings of the court it was very entertaining and engaging.
And if you know me I am a sucker for dragons if it has dragons I am already sat. Anyways this was a very fun and easy read would 100% recommend
Omg I did not imagine I would love an MM fantasy this much it literally blew my mind. Guys if you are skeptical about it because you have never read MM fantasy I promise you this is the best book to start.
The world building the storyline and the plot the way they were explained was perfect it didn’t even feel like info dumping.
And don’t even get me started on my babies Reverie and Xandreth (screaming) I loved them so much the emotional depth the baggage the romance was 100% giving. The rivals to lovers trope and forced proximity was perfectly executed in accordance to their characters.
I very much loved the futuristic setting and the workings of the court it was very entertaining and engaging.
And if you know me I am a sucker for dragons if it has dragons I am already sat. Anyways this was a very fun and easy read would 100% recommend
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into The Drakon King by Terry J. Benton-Walker expecting a dramatic romantasy, and it largely delivers. The story follows two princes caught in a forbidden relationship inside a brutal royal court, layered with missing dragons, stolen magic, and constant political tension. The world blends classic fantasy elements with a more modern, indulgent court atmosphere, which keeps it feeling fresh even if some details aren’t fully explored.
The character development is good as both characters struggle between loyalty and survival. The pacing can feel uneven, with a strong start, a slower middle, and a more gripping finish, but the stakes and intrigue keep it engaging. The main characters are compelling, even if some of the supporting cast feel more like pieces in the larger political game. Worth picking up if you enjoy forbidden love and high-stakes intrigue.
The character development is good as both characters struggle between loyalty and survival. The pacing can feel uneven, with a strong start, a slower middle, and a more gripping finish, but the stakes and intrigue keep it engaging. The main characters are compelling, even if some of the supporting cast feel more like pieces in the larger political game. Worth picking up if you enjoy forbidden love and high-stakes intrigue.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book early through Netgalley. I absolutely loved this! Reverie is a prince and son of a tyrannical king. He runs away but ends up meeting Xandreth, the Drakon prince. They have to work together to save their kingdoms. Their relationship is well developed and had me giggling and kicking my feet! Reverie' character development is beautifully done. He grows so much as he works through his trauma and shame and fully accepts his worth!
The world building was great and unique. I loved the futuristic setting and the blend of technology and magic. The writing itself was beautiful and witty! Read this book!
The world building was great and unique. I loved the futuristic setting and the blend of technology and magic. The writing itself was beautiful and witty! Read this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 12, 2026The worldbuilding was detailed but never overwhelming.
Even at 600+ pages in ARC format, I never felt bored or lost.
Everything flowed, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time.
The book is extremely addictive and shocking, it will become one of my favorite books of course its!! I hope to promote it a lot and join more people to read it. I totally love it, it's a solid 4.5/5
Even at 600+ pages in ARC format, I never felt bored or lost.
Everything flowed, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time.
The book is extremely addictive and shocking, it will become one of my favorite books of course its!! I hope to promote it a lot and join more people to read it. I totally love it, it's a solid 4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked this story because it simply has dragons on it. The Mages in this story were cool and reminds me of the Netflix show called The Witcher. The world building is beautiful. I was more focused on the dragons than the main character honestly. This book reminds me a bit of Game of Thrones mixed with Fourth Wing. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Get yourself a dragon who knows how to eat ass. Meanwhile, I will be making this book my whole personality for the foreseeable future.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews