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The Last Dragon

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2026

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Arwen Writes

5 books6 followers

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5 stars
12 (50%)
4 stars
10 (41%)
3 stars
2 (8%)
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0 (0%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Livvvvvvvv.
63 reviews88 followers
Did Not Finish
September 9, 2026
pre-read

quick little ARC to tide me over until i don't even know what.

i've been excited for this since it was announced, so we shall see how i get on!

if anyone has any fantasy MM recommendations please let me know, i fear i will be thinking about carry on for the forseeable future.

💜
Profile Image for Cara.
789 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
The Last Dragon is the first book in The Cursed Kingdom series.

I really loved the world-building; it's very well thought out and explained, not just through long, drawn-out paragraphs, but integrated into the story.

It's a sloooow burn, exactly what the story needs.

Tariel is an elf who has spent his entire life surrounded by books, and now he’s been entrusted with a mission: to take down the last dragon. He’s not going alone,he’s accompanied by a rather funny golem. But things don’t go as he expected, and he soon runs into a group of mercenaries led by Cassian, who might be more than he lets on.

I want to keep reading to find out how this story unfolds.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,644 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
September 24, 2026
The Last Dragon is the first book in The Cursed Kingdom series. This is also new author for me. This is the story of Tariel an elf and Cassian a dragon shifter. This is a slow, slow burn story. I loved watching these two get to know each other as they went on this adventure. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. There was plenty of action and drama to keep me reading. There wasn't much if any real spice in the story but that didn't really make a difference to me. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
Profile Image for Stepphy.
156 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 18, 2026
I love high fantasy, and I’ve been really enjoying a slow-burn romance for a while now, especially when it’s enemies-to-lovers based. This was a great first book for Arwen Writes; they have dreamt up a world that seems full of life, love, light and dark. Overall, this was such a good read, and I can’t wait to see how this story progresses in book two!

Tariel Elenion is a High Elf who comes from what you could imagine as a rather well-off family. His father is a Foreign Affairs Advisor, helping to maintain peace between neighbouring kingdoms, and his mother is a healer. However, with absentee parents, Tariel secluded himself in his library and decided to put his mind to the study of Magic at the expense of everything else. This upbringing led him to become a very powerful mage at quite a young age. Because of this power, Tariel is given the task of hunting down the last Dragon to remain after The Great War.
Tariel has been sheltered from what the real world is like, growing up on Elven propaganda; he believes his race is benevolent and beloved. Once in the real world, he is shocked by the reaction he gets. He has to learn quickly that life isn’t what he was taught to believe, and that his homeland doesn’t sit on the pedestal that he was taught to believe. Isolating himself at a young age in his library has also left him with questionable social and emotional skills, leading to quite a few emotional breakdowns and altercations that could have been resolved if he learnt how to talk to people.

Cassian is a mercenary, and the last remaining member of the Dragon race. He walked the land of Ennevia and built up a name for himself as he figured out how to achieve his plan to awaken his slain race. He harbours a hatred for the Elven people, as it was they who betrayed his people. So when he comes across Tariel, he decides to engage in dragon-like behaviour and track him down. But things are not all they seem to be; Cassian recognises something about Tariel and believes him to be the key to achieving his goal, so he kidnaps him.
Cassian has a deep-seated hatred for the Elven race, but in his dragon form, he was also known as the most empathetic of his kind. His empathetic nature weasels its way into his interactions with Tariel, and he recognises the good within him. Cassian has to face an internal battle: does he use Tariel to bring back his people, or does he find a harder way where Tariel can be protected?

I enjoyed this story and the world that Arwen has built to tell their story. The characters were unique and felt like they were real people. The lands we travelled through felt like they were rich with history, and you can tell that this history had an impact on the people in them, both good and evil.

I wish we had known more about the role of the Philosopher’s Stone and Heart of Elhë in the lore of the world. They play a big role in the motivations of the story events, yet the connection between the two was left vague until the later chapters of the story. I enjoyed Arwen’s writing style, though I do wish she didn’t refer to Tariel and Cassian as “elf” and “mercenary” as much; I like their actual names much better.
Profile Image for QueerPageTurner.
191 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 25, 2026
4.25/5 stars

The Last Dragon is the first in a duology set in a world of elves, dragons, griffins, golems, necromancers, mages, mercenaries, and magic.

Tariel, an elf who wants nothing more than to hoard books, learn spells, and live a quiet life in his library (honestly, same, Tariel, same), is sent on a suicide mission by the elven council to kill the last dragon almost 200 years after the entire race was brutally slaughtered. Bratty, naïve, and completely unprepared for the world outside the elvish territory, Tariel quickly learns that elves are despised the world over, and he is in grave danger.

Cassian, a large brutish mercenary with unusual magic, captures Tariel with the intention of returning to his homelands to try to restore the dragons of old. Cassian has spent the past two centuries in search of a stone that will allow him to bring life back to his dragon bloodline, and finds it in the tiny, haughty, young elf.

The two embark on a dangerous adventure, their two forms of magic growing stronger as they strengthen their bond, calling into question everything Tariel has ever been told.

This is a very slow burn romance with zero spice in book 1 (hopefully we'll get some hot, magic-induced spice in book 2 because the growing tension is delicious).

The history of the different kingdoms, the various magic systems and politics are quite complex. I do wish there was richer world-building, deeper descriptions of the magic as it is a very interesting world, though Arwen provides just enough that I was able to follow the story and understand various motivations pretty well.

Some of the magic like the fire phoenix and portals to the void is cool, and I would love even more in book 2.

Overall, if you've read/enjoyed fantasy stories in the past, much of this will feel familiar and easy to follow (my only critique is that several names of places, magic items, and spells feel eerily similar to other well-known fantasy realms like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter).

As Tariel and Cassian's relationship deepens, more of their vulnerability emerges and I love the tenderness that's growing between them. The magic that connects them is clearly very special, and I cannot wait to see how the duology ends - hopefully with lots of dragons and hot sex.

This is an easy, interesting, surprisingly sweet fantasy read, and I recommend it for folks who love fantasy as well as those who shy away out of fear of the complexity that often comes with this genre. Unlike many other fantasy books, you won't need an enormous family tree and a list of places to refer to in order to keep up. While Arwen gives the impression of a vast world with many peoples, the story itself is intimate and immediately enjoyable.
Profile Image for antonia🫧.
698 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
September 19, 2026
I received an ARC from the author via GRR & this review only contains my honest thoughts and feelings about this book.💐


There is NO way we didn't get a happy ending (it was a MAJOR happy for now and we're waiting for book two😭).


This book made me feel things and I loved it for that because it took me some time to get into it, but once I did? Oh, boy!

The characters were amazing and so sweet together.
The story has things to say and I'm all here for it and I can't wait for book two to be published.😭
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,445 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 26, 2026
AN EXTREMELY MARVELOUS READ THAT I RELISHED!

A well thought out read with a story that I found to be very good. The tension, gah the tension between the two MC's is so tangible. This is definitely a slow burn and I am awaiting the next installment. Definitely a book I recommend.
Profile Image for Fer B.
224 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 25, 2026
This is my honest review

The Last Dragon is a "short" and kinda lighthearted fantasy story, but with a lot of darker undertones and themes about identity, choices and propaganda. When I say it is lighthearted is because there is a lot of hope, cute moments between the characters and it does even feel kinda cozy at times.
Tariel and Cassian are fascinating characters in their contrasting points of view and how their relationship develops. It is a slow burn and kind of a true "enemies-to-lovers", and I love them. In particular, Tariel has the best growth, and I loved seeing him learn and his changes, while keeping his essence. He has some evident flaws -especially at the start- so it was truly satisfactory seeing his inner journey. And Cassian! At first I was kinda in the "I need him to repent and grovel a little", but the way he grew closer to Tariel was perfect on itself. I'm just petty lol.
The plot was also quite interesting to read, There are secrets but no "betrayal" or the misunderstanding I have grown to hate just a tiny bit after some recent reads where things get revealed and there is a "I can't believe I trusted you" when there were a lot of good reasons for hiding those secrets...anyways! I can't wait to see what will happen next, because I did feel the story a little short (meaning, the plot advanced at a good pace, along with the reationship, but at the same time it felt like there could've been more), but that is a personal impression, though some readers could feel like the story is "slow".
The focus is the characters, their growth and the development of the romance, but the plot influences heavily in all of these three aspects! So I will wait until the next book is ready.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity!
38 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 26, 2026
Firstly, I just want to say I did not expect to love this story as much as I did. I couldn’t put it down, it consumed me until I was finished. Secondly, everyone who knows me knows I love my spice. The Last Dragon did not have any, and yet I am still so here for it. Cassian and Tariel, still have me in a chokehold and I need Arwen to give me book 2 immediately! Just kidding, Arwen take your time, I will be patiently waiting! When first meeting Caspian I got the impression that he did anything to get what he wanted, even if he had to lie, hurt and deceive people to do it. But throughout the story we learn the reason for this and it's heartbreaking. Then we meet sweet, adorable, sassy Tariel. He has spent most of his life in his library learning and reading. He only knows about the outside world from what he’s told, and learns throughout the story that everything he was told was not always truthful. Tariel is sent by his people to kill the last dragon, and that's when he meets Cassian and the story begins. To say they had a rocky start would be an understatement. But throughout the story they learn to lean on each other, and learn to trust the other. The friendship they form happens so organically, leading to feelings both don’t understand. Towards the end of the story the angst between these two was killing me. The way they comforted each other and worried about the other had me tearing up. The banter between the two was hilarious as well as their inner monologue. There's still so many big secrets between the two, that I just know book two is going to hurt. There are so many unanswered questions, and I can't wait to find them all out! Thank you Arwen for allowing me to review this. It was amazing,and I cannot wait for more!!
Profile Image for GiveMeBooksOrGiveMeDeath.
64 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2026
The Last Dragon is book one of The Cursed Kingdom duology. It’s also the debut book from Arwen Writes. I am a huge fan of their artwork and now they have their own book! I love to see new authors starting their writing journey. This story is about Tariel (elf) and Cassian (dragon shifter). I personally loved Tariel from the beginning and admired his dedication to learning and his love of books. Cassian however, took some time for me to appreciate due to the beginning of he and Tariel’s “ relationship.” by the end of the book. I loved him as well though, and I think you will too. This is most definitely a enemies to friends who kinda cuddle sometimes story. Haha! I really enjoyed their banter and how they are attracted to each other, but just won’t admit it. Despite the rocky start, they come to care and rely on each other. We shared near death experiences probably didn’t hurt to push them a little closer either. Another thing I enjoyed was how magic and alchemy are both used in this world and how the alchemy is pretty unique from what I’ve seen compared to other books or movies. This book definitely was giving me Lord of the rings vibes in a lot of ways as well as a few other similar similarities from other fantasy stories that I’ve enjoyed before. I think that actually helped pull me into the story more for me personally. I’m excited to read the next book because there’s a lot of exciting things to come for sure.

Tropes: Elf x Dragon Shifter, High Fantasy, Captor x Captive, Enemies to Friends Who Happen To Cuddle Sometimes,
Lots Of Familiars, Secret Identity, Very Slow Burn

Story 4/5
Spice 0
Profile Image for Ash (Oreo).
12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
I found this author online randomly and saw they were releasing this book and it looked like something totally up my alley, which it definitely was. It is the 1st novel of the Cursed Kingdom duology. The artwork drew me in, which I have since found out the author does their own art for the series, author and artist, talent!!

I really enjoyed reading this story, I love reading a good slow burn and this definitely gives that. I love the characters so much already. Tariel, I immediately loved him, he's a strong, sassy but sensitive guy. He's a sheltered Elven mage, who is used to just being around his books & has never left his home town. But he's been forced into this mission, which is definitely taking him way out of his comfort zone! I am excited to see how the series will progress with his character, and how much more confident he will become and the growing relationship between Tariel and Cassian.
I love Cassian a lot as well, but if I had to pick favourites, I'd have to say Tariel, but shhh, don't tell them that, haha.

I really enjoyed the authors writing and the world buidling of the novel. I can't wait for the next novel to see how the story continues.

If you love a verrrry slow burn, enemies to lovers, high fantasy MM novel, this one is definitely for you!
Profile Image for Holly Deacon.
116 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 16, 2026
When I found out THE Arwen had a book coming out.. i JUMPED at the chance to read this!

I really enjoyed this one! The combination of high fantasy, dragons, ancient magic and a slow-burn MM romance had me completely hooked.

Tariel was such a lovable character. He’s a quiet, sheltered spellcaster who would much rather be surrounded by his books than thrown into a dangerous mission, so watching him being pushed completely out of his comfort zone was fantastic. I loved seeing him grow as the story progressed.

And Cassian… 👀 That stubborn, mysterious mercenary had me intrigued from the beginning. His relationship with Tariel was definitely one of my favourite parts. Their personalities are so different, but somehow they work incredibly well together. The slow burn gave their relationship time to develop naturally, and I loved watching that trust and tension build between them.

The Last Dragon is a brilliant beginning to the Cursed Kingdom duology, and honestly, I need more Tariel and Cassian. Especially after everything we learn about Cassian. ❤️
I cannot wait for part two!! 💕💕
Profile Image for florence_reads_.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
The first book in the world of Tariel and Cassian was lovely. It's really a very slow burn (but the author announces this trope) so the relationship between the two main characters develops slowly but surely! I was very happy when little sparks slowly started to appear, suggesting some more emotional development between them.✨ I like that this part wasn't rushed at all.

I adored the presentation of Tariel - very soft and sensitive by nature, but he can stand up for himself and present himself as fearless and proud.🧝‍♂️

The world building and all the fantasy aspects were handled nicely and the writing style and dialogues seemed very high quality.

I'm curious to see where the story will go plotwise and how the relationship side will develop in the next book!
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for The Last Dragon, and here are my thoughts:

I don’t usually read MM romance, but since I’m a fan of everything fantasy, I gave it a chance and I loved it!

The world is very visual, it almost feels like you’re watching a movie! The characters are well thought and believable and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. I lover watching Tariel and Cassian’s relationship evolve. The tension between them is palpable, and you can’t help but wonder when they’re finally going to kiss!

I can’t wait to read book 2 to see where their bond will take them
Profile Image for Lynn Give 'Em Hel Vetica.
372 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy
September 24, 2026
This had the makings of a really fun book. Elves, dragons, mercenaries and a sense of impending doom. What more could you ask for? And I really wanted to love this one, truly.

I did find the writing style to be quite decent. However, I struggled to fully connect with the book because the characters felt a bit flat to me. I would have loved to see more depth and development in their personalities.

This may be a great fit for you if you love elves and dragon-shifters though. It is an interesting premise after all, with it being the Last Dragon and whatnot.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
77 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 16, 2026
It was a short read, which worked really well for me.
The worldbuilding didn’t take forever, and the story got moving pretty quickly. I liked the characters separately and together. While I definitely would have liked some spice, the author said it was a slow burn, and is exactly that.

The rhythm didn’t always work for me, and there were moments where things felt a little overexplained, but neither stopped me from enjoying the story.

I’m curious enough about where this is going that I’ll definitely be reading book two.
ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cam Tyler.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
The last dragon by Arwen has been read and im already ready for book two, ill be sitting down and patiently sipping my tea waiting cause i need to know how there journey ends!

This book was such a great read! I loved both our characters tariel and cassian, they were amazing characters who i enjoyed getting to know. now Remember that the last dragon is a sloww burn but this tension? Omg scream worthy i was loving it all plus the plot is fantastic Arwen did such a great job of writing this book and creating this world we read about.
Profile Image for Daniela Tavares.
958 reviews48 followers
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
💨.

I’m invested in this world and in Tariel & Cassian.
The tension between them is building and I can’t to see them dive head first into this bond they have with each other.

Tariel is soft where Cassian is hard so they complement each other very well. I cannot wait for their relationship to flourish.

I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.

*I read an arc of this book. *
Profile Image for Kayla.
309 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
September 12, 2026
Thank your GRR for providing an ARC copy of this book

I'm pretty neutral on this book. I will still like to read the next book to just see how these two relationship will go as this is truly a slow burn. The plot seems to be good just hope it picks up a little in the next one as it felt a little lacking in my perspective.
Profile Image for Charlie.
25 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
A great read! Tariel and Cassian have a wonderful dynamic that grows at a good pace. The worldbuilding is very rich, though I fear I'm a little overwhelmed at times! Thankful for the glossary.

Wish there was more! Looking forward to the next one.

Thank you for the ARC read!
Profile Image for Thurman.
888 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2026
It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
800 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2026
I loved the world building and cant wait to see what happens next!!!
Profile Image for Kristen Houghton.
128 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
Wow, this is just the best slow burn fantasy romance. The story of Cassian and Tariel will be sticking with me for a bit because it’s so beautiful, the world is so rich and I have questions that I want answers to but I don’t have them yet. Come on book two!
Cassian is a mercenary who has no home anymore since the Elves destroyed his when they killed the dragons. Tariel is an Elf. He has great magic and is tasked by the council to go out and kill the last dragon. What follows is an adventure where each learn more about the other, truths comes out and decisions are made that will have consequences to each of their futures. This is only part one! It does end on a satisfying note, but the story is not over, there is more to come and I am so excited to see where this goes.
These two have been growing closer, and the tension is just so good and I cannot wait for it to break finally.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews