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Dragon Assassin #1
Twin Fury
The first episode in a twelve part series.
The emperor wants her dead. At least she has a dragon on her side.
Carmen is days from graduation at assassin school. She's desperate to finish ahead of her twin brother and the rest of the class. They’ve been trained to hunt using giant black swans, but Carmen has discovered a dragon. All she has to do is climb on his back. One he's killed everyone who gets near him.
Then the Emperor declares war on assassins. Graduation night is about to become the fight of her life. It’s a non-stop young adult adventure from best-selling author Arthur Slade. Perfect for fans of Dragon Riders of Pern, Dragon School, Eragon and Call of the Dragon. Take flight with this first episode in the Dragon Assassin series.
Dragon Assassin was first released in these twelve short, exciting bi-monthly episodes. It is also now available in collected volumes and an omnibus.
The emperor wants her dead. At least she has a dragon on her side.
Carmen is days from graduation at assassin school. She's desperate to finish ahead of her twin brother and the rest of the class. They’ve been trained to hunt using giant black swans, but Carmen has discovered a dragon. All she has to do is climb on his back. One he's killed everyone who gets near him.
Then the Emperor declares war on assassins. Graduation night is about to become the fight of her life. It’s a non-stop young adult adventure from best-selling author Arthur Slade. Perfect for fans of Dragon Riders of Pern, Dragon School, Eragon and Call of the Dragon. Take flight with this first episode in the Dragon Assassin series.
Dragon Assassin was first released in these twelve short, exciting bi-monthly episodes. It is also now available in collected volumes and an omnibus.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2019
426 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Slade
75 books524 followersArthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 24, 2022
Oooo a badass main in Carmen who finds a DRAGON! This is awesome.
I hope she destroys her twin brother, Corwin... the bloody twat!
I hope she destroys her twin brother, Corwin... the bloody twat!
December 26, 2018
I have already read this book twice. It is a great story and sets up what looks like it will be an amazing series. Full review to publish closer to publication date.
.
.
.
I have been a fan of Arthur Slades’s writing since reading both Dust and Tribes in 2002. I am always excited when he has a new boom coming out. And this time we are treated to not only an amazing story, but it is the first in a series, that is supposed to be released at the rate of one volume a month for a year. And man, oh man what a first episode this story is. For that is how this series is being written, sort of like they were episodes in a story. And we will tune in next month to the same Dragon Chanel for the next installment.
This story has a lot on the go:
Family
Friends
Assassin School
Betrayal
A Dragon
A deal with said dragon
And more
Yes, there is a lot at play in this book. And it is really just setting the stage for the series. Carmen was at the top of the class in Assassin school, and then she lost an eye to her twin brother, Corwin, in fencing class. She waffles back and forth between believing it was an accident, and that he did it intentionally to take her place at the top of the class. Now a few years later they are preparing to graduate. Because of a punishment she is a few marks short of graduating. After all her work and striving to overcome her single sightedness. She is given a chance to earn extra points, enough to graduate. She must get a giant swan egg from the wild nesting grounds. Eight years of training will be for naught if she cannot get the egg. During the quest to get the egg, she encounters a Dragon, Brax, trapped in a cave, ensnared by magic. For her life she promises to return. But when she does everything has changed. For the Emperor has declared war on assassins. And what was to be her graduation night has seen bloodshed, betrayal, and destruction. Now she must make a new deal, and her only thought is revenge.
The story is tightly written in a first-person narrative. And readers will come to love and root for Carmen, even with her hard and at times crusty exterior. The pace is excellent. The setting and characters are masterfully done. The story ends on a cliff hanger with a lot of options for where it will go. I cannot help but keep thinking on or imagining Carmen and Brax’s flight into the night, and adventures to come.
The story reminds me of Zelanzy’s Amber books and also a bit like The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli fans of both will appreciate this new story. This is an excellent fantasy story, by a wonderful writer. Fans of fantasy will really appreciate the craft in the telling of this tale. It is an excellent book and I recommend you pick it up and give it a read! I have already read this book twice and look forward to the next instalment.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as an author profile and interview with Art.
.
.
.
I have been a fan of Arthur Slades’s writing since reading both Dust and Tribes in 2002. I am always excited when he has a new boom coming out. And this time we are treated to not only an amazing story, but it is the first in a series, that is supposed to be released at the rate of one volume a month for a year. And man, oh man what a first episode this story is. For that is how this series is being written, sort of like they were episodes in a story. And we will tune in next month to the same Dragon Chanel for the next installment.
This story has a lot on the go:
Family
Friends
Assassin School
Betrayal
A Dragon
A deal with said dragon
And more
Yes, there is a lot at play in this book. And it is really just setting the stage for the series. Carmen was at the top of the class in Assassin school, and then she lost an eye to her twin brother, Corwin, in fencing class. She waffles back and forth between believing it was an accident, and that he did it intentionally to take her place at the top of the class. Now a few years later they are preparing to graduate. Because of a punishment she is a few marks short of graduating. After all her work and striving to overcome her single sightedness. She is given a chance to earn extra points, enough to graduate. She must get a giant swan egg from the wild nesting grounds. Eight years of training will be for naught if she cannot get the egg. During the quest to get the egg, she encounters a Dragon, Brax, trapped in a cave, ensnared by magic. For her life she promises to return. But when she does everything has changed. For the Emperor has declared war on assassins. And what was to be her graduation night has seen bloodshed, betrayal, and destruction. Now she must make a new deal, and her only thought is revenge.
The story is tightly written in a first-person narrative. And readers will come to love and root for Carmen, even with her hard and at times crusty exterior. The pace is excellent. The setting and characters are masterfully done. The story ends on a cliff hanger with a lot of options for where it will go. I cannot help but keep thinking on or imagining Carmen and Brax’s flight into the night, and adventures to come.
The story reminds me of Zelanzy’s Amber books and also a bit like The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli fans of both will appreciate this new story. This is an excellent fantasy story, by a wonderful writer. Fans of fantasy will really appreciate the craft in the telling of this tale. It is an excellent book and I recommend you pick it up and give it a read! I have already read this book twice and look forward to the next instalment.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as an author profile and interview with Art.
December 18, 2019
I'd read Crimson by this author and liked it a lot. I saw some of his other works were available on KindleUnlimited. This was a quick/short read ... I figured I'd continue on with the series on KU if I liked it.
But I didn't like it that much. It was an interesting world set-up. I felt for Carmen, was interested in her journey. There was something in the writing though, that was just a little off for me. Felt choppy, didn't flow smoothly. Carmen is younger, and this book had a younger feel, aimed at a teen-audience even though it was a bit rough SPOILER
This had a way of ending each chapter on a mini-cliffhanger. I remember reading a children's/tween book (The Missing Collection by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Found; Sent; Sabotaged; Torn that did this. On the one hand, it's a good technique for reluctant readers, to hook them and keep them going to the next chapter. On the other hand ... I found it annoying and over the top.
I am a little interested in knowing what happens next, between Carmen and Brax ... just not sure if I'll invest the reading time to find out.
But I didn't like it that much. It was an interesting world set-up. I felt for Carmen, was interested in her journey. There was something in the writing though, that was just a little off for me. Felt choppy, didn't flow smoothly. Carmen is younger, and this book had a younger feel, aimed at a teen-audience even though it was a bit rough SPOILER
This had a way of ending each chapter on a mini-cliffhanger. I remember reading a children's/tween book (The Missing Collection by Margaret Peterson Haddix: Found; Sent; Sabotaged; Torn that did this. On the one hand, it's a good technique for reluctant readers, to hook them and keep them going to the next chapter. On the other hand ... I found it annoying and over the top.
I am a little interested in knowing what happens next, between Carmen and Brax ... just not sure if I'll invest the reading time to find out.
December 16, 2018
A good Fantasy book. Carmen an assassiin in Training loses an eye to her brother. Naturally that puts her at a disadvantage. In order to get Points to graduate she needs to steal a swan egg. During her quest she comes upon a Dragon who has been chained with an enchanted chain. Carmen said she will return to try to find a way to break the chain. During graduation her brother turns agains the assasssins and with the Immotals from the emporer manages to kill many of the assasssins. Carmen escapes and Returns to the cave where the Dragon is and is able to break the chain with Special knives. She swears the Dragon to carry her until she can get revenge.
December 19, 2021
Found Carmen a really thoughtless, slow-witted, overly jealous and under skilled character. Felt like I was stuck in a 12 year old’s brain - not that of a graduated “high-skilled” assassin. Surely after YEARS of having one eye, she learnt how to avoid smashing into door ways and dropping acid onto the table.
Will not continue with the series.
Will not continue with the series.
May 18, 2021
I enjoyed this story more than I expected to I guess! The characters are likable and the plot moves along at a good pace and maybe even a bit fast. If for a MA audience I guess then it was perfect.
December 8, 2021
What a great introduction to this series. I was torn between 4/5 stars as there is a lot packed in to a pretty short first book.
This is a young adult fantasy based around a girl who is wounded whilst sparring with her brother and loses an eye. She does not fall into despair and give up on her dreams of becoming an assassin, and endeavours to do her best to prove her peers wrong. There are some nice ideas in this first book. The attitudes of people towards Carmen come across really well, showing how she has had to not only learn her craft, but also put up with being looked down on as inferior and unworthy of any real attention. I liked the fact that she wasn't perfect by any standards and was prone to make mistakes and questionable decisions when pushed. The mini quest that Carmen goes on near the beginning was a nice touch, setting things up for a very important discovery to come later on, and I also liked the fact that the library actually had books that the character used. People interact nicely and the description of the surrounding areas is fitting for a fantasy setting, placing you on a twisting staircase or in the mountains respectively. The events towards the end add a nice pace to the storyline, setting things up nicely for things to come. The style can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, so if you are a fantasy fan, you will like this book.
I look forward to reading the next segment to see what new discoveries are made.
This is a young adult fantasy based around a girl who is wounded whilst sparring with her brother and loses an eye. She does not fall into despair and give up on her dreams of becoming an assassin, and endeavours to do her best to prove her peers wrong. There are some nice ideas in this first book. The attitudes of people towards Carmen come across really well, showing how she has had to not only learn her craft, but also put up with being looked down on as inferior and unworthy of any real attention. I liked the fact that she wasn't perfect by any standards and was prone to make mistakes and questionable decisions when pushed. The mini quest that Carmen goes on near the beginning was a nice touch, setting things up for a very important discovery to come later on, and I also liked the fact that the library actually had books that the character used. People interact nicely and the description of the surrounding areas is fitting for a fantasy setting, placing you on a twisting staircase or in the mountains respectively. The events towards the end add a nice pace to the storyline, setting things up nicely for things to come. The style can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, so if you are a fantasy fan, you will like this book.
I look forward to reading the next segment to see what new discoveries are made.
August 15, 2021
I picked up this audiobook on a whim and I was completely immersed. I loved it right from its beginning chapter and it was so easy to get into. It was effortlessly entertaining and I wasn’t planning on carrying on with the series but now I definitely need to listen to them all.
The characters were great in this and easy to warm up. Carmen was a great lead character, overcoming her adversity and resourceful too. Her growing relationship with Brax was great to read as well and loved the dynamic between them both.
The story was great and the set up into the second book really entices you to carry on so I’m definitely going to have to read on to find out what happens!
The characters were great in this and easy to warm up. Carmen was a great lead character, overcoming her adversity and resourceful too. Her growing relationship with Brax was great to read as well and loved the dynamic between them both.
The story was great and the set up into the second book really entices you to carry on so I’m definitely going to have to read on to find out what happens!
January 25, 2021
It’s hard to root for Carmen. She’s pretty pitiful and strangely childish and incompetent for someone who’s spent years training to be an assassin. It was also disappointing to see how quickly she basically betrayed an oath when she found herself craving revenge. Despite being upset when she found herself forced into servitude, she sure was quick to force that life on someone else. And in her case she was actively risking the other person’s life. Admirable. Worse, she didn’t even have the guts to admit to herself that that’s what she was doing. DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2020
I honestly was not expecting much from this book. It was free on kindle so I thought that was a red flag. BUT I could not put it down. The only bad thing I can say was that the perpetrator was easy to guess and of course it was short. Also, I didnt quite understand why carmen was so loyal to the guild especially after the megan thing. I ended up agreeing with her brother. I guess this is a good book to read that is short and sweet to know if you'll continue the series.
April 2, 2022
Liked it! Entertaining with fun story and characters. Fed my love for dragon stories well...
May 23, 2025
A short and quick read.
Carmen is our protagonist and after reading this short book, I'm honestly not sure how to feel about her. Idk how old she is supposed to be, but she is definitely quite immature being a child or teenager.
First off, I can't blame her for having such loyalty to the assassin guild. They took her in and essentially raised her. Trained her in the ways of an assassin. It's all she's ever known. Ofc, she wants to remain a part of this world and be an amazing assassin. However, I feel like her pov of the world is pretty flawed. Assassins that are are part of this guild are stated to have a sort of code. They will not kill children and can choose whether they accept to kill someone or not. This certainly does create an air of making them "better" than others, at the very least a "morally" grey. However, I have not been convinced of why I should be rooting for Carmen and her guild. Whether they have a code or not, it still doesn't change the fact that they are cold blooded killers. Sure, Carmen isn't exactly an unlikeable characters. She has honor and is loyal. She sticks to her ideals. I wouldn't call her evil or anything or even the guild this, but again, why should I root for them? They're contracr killers. Still murderers even if they are commissioned to kill someone who is arguably a bad person.
This is why I found Carmen's twin brother Corwin to be a bit of a more interesting character. I would have definitely liked to have seen his pov and why he chose to betray the guild to the emperor. He said he was only looking for his place in the world, but is there really nothing more to it than that? I'm not sure how to explain it. Like I can understand Carmen in not wanting to just have some dead end job, so to speak, such as being a pig farmer; but I can also understand Corwin in sort of thinking why should he have any loyalty to the assassin guild? They may have taken the twins in, but really wouldn't it just have suited the guild to have more students who would continue their legacy and ideas? I don't really feel a sense of real loyalty, let alone family; though ofc, it's an assassin guild, nevermind the rules to not hurt fellow assassins. Again, I'm not sure how to explain it, it just doesn't feel, genuine, I guess.
Anyways, I knew it was coming, but still disappointing to see another sibling vs sibling rivalry where they will try to kill one another *sigh*
The highlight of the book was definitely the dragon! I liked seeing the brief information we got concerning his kind and why and how he became trapped. He seems like a clever dragon, indeed.
I have to say though, I hated how by the end of the book Carmen demanded that the dragon agree to such heavy terms to free him. I get it. She was desperate and furious, itching for revenge, but urgh those terms. One of them being demanding an eye from the dragon? Just urgh.
Another thing, I wish hadn't occurred. I really liked the idea of Carmen going through the entire series with just one eye and having to keep navigating the hardship and ableism because of only having one eye. The book had initially served as good representation of what it's like being disabled in a way and how hard it is, especially with all the ableism she faced - in this case the other students, including her professors and even the leader of the guild saying she would never be a good assassin because of her one eye! But nope, that problem got solved right away once she obtained the dragon's eye and now has the superior vision of the dragon with said eye.
Unfortunately, I ended up not liking this book as much as I thought I would, despite its good start and the good characterization of Carmen in the beginning. The book and the character of Carmen just sort of dwindled towards the end. Still, I will continue this series regardless and see what happens.
Carmen is our protagonist and after reading this short book, I'm honestly not sure how to feel about her. Idk how old she is supposed to be, but she is definitely quite immature being a child or teenager.
First off, I can't blame her for having such loyalty to the assassin guild. They took her in and essentially raised her. Trained her in the ways of an assassin. It's all she's ever known. Ofc, she wants to remain a part of this world and be an amazing assassin. However, I feel like her pov of the world is pretty flawed. Assassins that are are part of this guild are stated to have a sort of code. They will not kill children and can choose whether they accept to kill someone or not. This certainly does create an air of making them "better" than others, at the very least a "morally" grey. However, I have not been convinced of why I should be rooting for Carmen and her guild. Whether they have a code or not, it still doesn't change the fact that they are cold blooded killers. Sure, Carmen isn't exactly an unlikeable characters. She has honor and is loyal. She sticks to her ideals. I wouldn't call her evil or anything or even the guild this, but again, why should I root for them? They're contracr killers. Still murderers even if they are commissioned to kill someone who is arguably a bad person.
This is why I found Carmen's twin brother Corwin to be a bit of a more interesting character. I would have definitely liked to have seen his pov and why he chose to betray the guild to the emperor. He said he was only looking for his place in the world, but is there really nothing more to it than that? I'm not sure how to explain it. Like I can understand Carmen in not wanting to just have some dead end job, so to speak, such as being a pig farmer; but I can also understand Corwin in sort of thinking why should he have any loyalty to the assassin guild? They may have taken the twins in, but really wouldn't it just have suited the guild to have more students who would continue their legacy and ideas? I don't really feel a sense of real loyalty, let alone family; though ofc, it's an assassin guild, nevermind the rules to not hurt fellow assassins. Again, I'm not sure how to explain it, it just doesn't feel, genuine, I guess.
Anyways, I knew it was coming, but still disappointing to see another sibling vs sibling rivalry where they will try to kill one another *sigh*
The highlight of the book was definitely the dragon! I liked seeing the brief information we got concerning his kind and why and how he became trapped. He seems like a clever dragon, indeed.
I have to say though, I hated how by the end of the book Carmen demanded that the dragon agree to such heavy terms to free him. I get it. She was desperate and furious, itching for revenge, but urgh those terms. One of them being demanding an eye from the dragon? Just urgh.
Another thing, I wish hadn't occurred. I really liked the idea of Carmen going through the entire series with just one eye and having to keep navigating the hardship and ableism because of only having one eye. The book had initially served as good representation of what it's like being disabled in a way and how hard it is, especially with all the ableism she faced - in this case the other students, including her professors and even the leader of the guild saying she would never be a good assassin because of her one eye! But nope, that problem got solved right away once she obtained the dragon's eye and now has the superior vision of the dragon with said eye.
Unfortunately, I ended up not liking this book as much as I thought I would, despite its good start and the good characterization of Carmen in the beginning. The book and the character of Carmen just sort of dwindled towards the end. Still, I will continue this series regardless and see what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Review for „Twin Fury” by Arthur Slade (excerpt)
The emperor wants her dead. Carmen is days from graduation at assassin school. She’s desperate to finish ahead of her twin brother and the rest of the class. They’ve been trained to hunt using giant black swans, but Carmen has discovered a dragon. All she has to do is climb on his back. One he’s killed everyone who gets near him. Then the Emperor declares war on assassins. Graduation night is about to become the fight for her life. It’s a non-stop young adult adventure from best-selling author Arthur Slade. Perfect for fans of “Dragon Riders of Pern”, “Dragon School” and “Eragon and the Call of the Dragon”. Take flight with this first episode in the “Dragon Assassin” series.
The writer attracts the readers through his writing style that is easy to digest. Friendship, brother – sister relationship, freedom, family, stealth, luck, putting what you learn to practice are some of the themes discussed in this excerpt while sarcasm, being in your brother’s shadow, jealousy are the serious issues tackled here.
We will learn that curiosity can get you into trouble sometimes; life has its own ways to teach us important lessons and that the real world is different than what people think. Unlike other fantasy novels, Arthur Slade’s “Twin Fury” is filled with humor. An example is the scene in which the dragon mistakes Carmen for a crow due to the costume she’s wearing.
The magical creatures are like no other: the dragons behave like gentlemen and want to quench their thirst for knowledge; the black basilisk swans are large monstrous creatures, dangerous to humans when they’re wild, but an asset to assassins when they’re tamed.
There are things with special meanings like the color black – mystery, rebellion, fear, bad omen, protection, power, sophistication, strength, prestige; crow – wisdom, intelligence, prescience, transformation, destiny, future; the corpses the girl finds in the cave can be interpreted as being a bad omen etc.
I recommend this book to readers 15+ because there are some things that younger readers won’t understand.
Recenzie “Furie Dublă” de Arthur Slade (extras)
Împăratul o vrea moartă. Mai sunt câteva zile până la absolvirea școlii de asasini, iar Carmen este disperată să termine înaintea fratelui ei geamăn și restul clasei. Amândoi au fost antrenați să vâneze călare pe lebede negre gigant, dar Carmen a descoperit un dragon. Tot ce trebuie să facă este să urce pe spatele lui. A dragonului care a ucis pe oricine a vrut să se apropie de el. Apoi Împăratul declară război împotriva asasinilor, iar noaptea absolvirii este pe cale să se transforme în lupta vieții ei. Este un roman de aventuri young adult non-stop scris de autorul de best-seller, Arthur Slade. Este perfect pentru fanii „Călăreților de Dragoni din Pern”, “Școala Dragonilor” și “Eragon și Chemarea Dragonului”. Zburați cu primul episod din seria „Dragonul Asasin”.
Autorul îi atrage pe cititori prin stilul ușor de digerat. Prietenia, relația frate – soră, libertatea, familia, abilitatea de a te furișa, norocul, punerea în practică a ce ai învățat sunt câteva din temele discutate în acest extras în timp ce sarcasmul, să fii în umbra fratelui tău, gelozia sunt problemele serioase abordate aici.
Vom învăța că uneori curiozitatea ne creează probleme, viața are felul ei de a ne învăța lecții importante și lumea reală este diferită de ceea ce cred alții. Spre deosebire de alte romane fantasy, “Furie Dublă” de Arthur Slade este plin de umor. Un exemplu este scena în care dragonul o confundă pe Carmen cu o cioară datorită costumului pe care îl poartă.
Creaturile magice sunt unice: dragonii se comportă ca un gentleman și vor să-și satisfacă setea de cunoaștere; lebedele negre bazilic sunt creature monstruoase uriașe periculoase pentru oameni când sunt sălbatice, dar sunt un avantaj pentru asasini dacă sunt dresate.
Există lucruri cu semnificații speciale asemeni culorii negre – mister, rebeliune, frică, semn rău, protecție, putere, rafinament, forță, prestigiu; ciorii – înțelepciune, inteligență, premoniție, transformare, destin, viitor; cadavrele pe care le găsește fata în peșteră pot fi interpretate ca fiind de rău augur etc.
Recomand această carte cititorilor 15+ pentru că există anumite lucruri pe care cititorii mai mici nu le vor înțelege.
The emperor wants her dead. Carmen is days from graduation at assassin school. She’s desperate to finish ahead of her twin brother and the rest of the class. They’ve been trained to hunt using giant black swans, but Carmen has discovered a dragon. All she has to do is climb on his back. One he’s killed everyone who gets near him. Then the Emperor declares war on assassins. Graduation night is about to become the fight for her life. It’s a non-stop young adult adventure from best-selling author Arthur Slade. Perfect for fans of “Dragon Riders of Pern”, “Dragon School” and “Eragon and the Call of the Dragon”. Take flight with this first episode in the “Dragon Assassin” series.
The writer attracts the readers through his writing style that is easy to digest. Friendship, brother – sister relationship, freedom, family, stealth, luck, putting what you learn to practice are some of the themes discussed in this excerpt while sarcasm, being in your brother’s shadow, jealousy are the serious issues tackled here.
We will learn that curiosity can get you into trouble sometimes; life has its own ways to teach us important lessons and that the real world is different than what people think. Unlike other fantasy novels, Arthur Slade’s “Twin Fury” is filled with humor. An example is the scene in which the dragon mistakes Carmen for a crow due to the costume she’s wearing.
The magical creatures are like no other: the dragons behave like gentlemen and want to quench their thirst for knowledge; the black basilisk swans are large monstrous creatures, dangerous to humans when they’re wild, but an asset to assassins when they’re tamed.
There are things with special meanings like the color black – mystery, rebellion, fear, bad omen, protection, power, sophistication, strength, prestige; crow – wisdom, intelligence, prescience, transformation, destiny, future; the corpses the girl finds in the cave can be interpreted as being a bad omen etc.
I recommend this book to readers 15+ because there are some things that younger readers won’t understand.
Recenzie “Furie Dublă” de Arthur Slade (extras)
Împăratul o vrea moartă. Mai sunt câteva zile până la absolvirea școlii de asasini, iar Carmen este disperată să termine înaintea fratelui ei geamăn și restul clasei. Amândoi au fost antrenați să vâneze călare pe lebede negre gigant, dar Carmen a descoperit un dragon. Tot ce trebuie să facă este să urce pe spatele lui. A dragonului care a ucis pe oricine a vrut să se apropie de el. Apoi Împăratul declară război împotriva asasinilor, iar noaptea absolvirii este pe cale să se transforme în lupta vieții ei. Este un roman de aventuri young adult non-stop scris de autorul de best-seller, Arthur Slade. Este perfect pentru fanii „Călăreților de Dragoni din Pern”, “Școala Dragonilor” și “Eragon și Chemarea Dragonului”. Zburați cu primul episod din seria „Dragonul Asasin”.
Autorul îi atrage pe cititori prin stilul ușor de digerat. Prietenia, relația frate – soră, libertatea, familia, abilitatea de a te furișa, norocul, punerea în practică a ce ai învățat sunt câteva din temele discutate în acest extras în timp ce sarcasmul, să fii în umbra fratelui tău, gelozia sunt problemele serioase abordate aici.
Vom învăța că uneori curiozitatea ne creează probleme, viața are felul ei de a ne învăța lecții importante și lumea reală este diferită de ceea ce cred alții. Spre deosebire de alte romane fantasy, “Furie Dublă” de Arthur Slade este plin de umor. Un exemplu este scena în care dragonul o confundă pe Carmen cu o cioară datorită costumului pe care îl poartă.
Creaturile magice sunt unice: dragonii se comportă ca un gentleman și vor să-și satisfacă setea de cunoaștere; lebedele negre bazilic sunt creature monstruoase uriașe periculoase pentru oameni când sunt sălbatice, dar sunt un avantaj pentru asasini dacă sunt dresate.
Există lucruri cu semnificații speciale asemeni culorii negre – mister, rebeliune, frică, semn rău, protecție, putere, rafinament, forță, prestigiu; ciorii – înțelepciune, inteligență, premoniție, transformare, destin, viitor; cadavrele pe care le găsește fata în peșteră pot fi interpretate ca fiind de rău augur etc.
Recomand această carte cititorilor 15+ pentru că există anumite lucruri pe care cititorii mai mici nu le vor înțelege.
January 18, 2019
Slade's newest adventure is a greatly satisfying read on many levels. First off, the main character Carmen is awesome! She's a one-eyed assassin-in-training who, despite her sight limitation, still kicks butt. Secondly, and this isn't a major part of the story yet, but giant swans that assassins can ride into battle is just cool. Thirdly, the dragon Carmen discovers chained in a cave right under the noses of the assassin school is an intriguing mystery. And the dragon's snarkiness is quite funny. Fourthly, I love how Slade sets up the overarching story in this series - i.e., a prince has been poisoned, probably by a rogue assassin - yet he keeps it niggling at the back of your mind for a while as you continue reading about Carmen's personal struggles and wonder how she's going to deal with the dragon. Then, as Carmen and the other assassin students (including Carmen's brother Corwin) approach graduation, the emperor himself is found dead by poison. This is where the story really starts to pick up.
Corwin, it seems, is not exactly your loyal assassin. It appears he's been doing some extra work out in the world. Slade leaves you wondering if it's possible Corwin's deeds are associated with the work of the rogue assassin who murdered royalty.
In the end, there's an attack on the assassin school during graduation. But Carmen's been rendered temporarily out of commission by her brother. When she comes to, she realizes her brother has some loyalty issues and she tries to do some undercover reconnaissance during the siege. In the process, she's given some pretty amazing daggers (can't wait to see what she does with them in the next book) by a dying assassin maestru (teacher/professor). Stuff happens between her and her brother and she miraculously "escapes" and frees the dragon after making making a deal with him to serve him for three years in return for her "interesting" requests.
I don't want to give any more away - you've just gotta read the story! It's a quick and entertaining read that hooked me for the next book.
Corwin, it seems, is not exactly your loyal assassin. It appears he's been doing some extra work out in the world. Slade leaves you wondering if it's possible Corwin's deeds are associated with the work of the rogue assassin who murdered royalty.
In the end, there's an attack on the assassin school during graduation. But Carmen's been rendered temporarily out of commission by her brother. When she comes to, she realizes her brother has some loyalty issues and she tries to do some undercover reconnaissance during the siege. In the process, she's given some pretty amazing daggers (can't wait to see what she does with them in the next book) by a dying assassin maestru (teacher/professor). Stuff happens between her and her brother and she miraculously "escapes" and frees the dragon after making making a deal with him to serve him for three years in return for her "interesting" requests.
I don't want to give any more away - you've just gotta read the story! It's a quick and entertaining read that hooked me for the next book.
April 28, 2022
I actually enjoy reading young adult books. In young adult books, it is all on the teen. No mom or dad or older sibs to take responsibility, save the day, etc.
In Twin Fury, Carmen is about to graduate from Assassins school. She and her twin brother were literally left in a basket on the school's doorstep years ago. (So, parents are out of the picture. Very neatly done!)
Carmen was the school's top student until an "accident" occurred and her twin brother Corwin blinded her left eye while the two were sparring at school. After that, Carmen still did very well with the academics but fell to the bottom of the class rankings regarding the physical stuff, like knife-fighting.
So, an incident occurs in the last days before graduation and suddenly Carmen is in danger of NOT graduating with her class. Corwin drops by to suggest that she go after a black swan egg. He tells her he is sure she can steal one from a swan nest and that the 25 points her professor will give her will guarantee that she can graduate on time after all.
Except, of course, she drops the egg down a mountain side and lands at the entrance to a dark cave. Which holds an imprisoned dragon.
Long story short, she finally manages to free the dragon, who is actually a rare breed and quite intelligent. She and the dragon finally strike a bargain and voila, this new assassin has her own mount. (And, no, the dragon is NOT very happy about it but is willing to both endure her company and actually work with her as a team of two.)
This book is a refreshing change of pace for me because it is both full of action and also strategy, as the dragon is quite a character in his own right.
Better, this is book one of a twelve book series. Book twelve came out in 2022. (I have not wanted to find out if the story is really over at that point, in case Arthur Slade is busy writing the next installment!)
Highly recommended for fantasy series fans, fans of young person meets dragon and becomes a partner books, and readers who enjoy plenty of character-driven action!
In Twin Fury, Carmen is about to graduate from Assassins school. She and her twin brother were literally left in a basket on the school's doorstep years ago. (So, parents are out of the picture. Very neatly done!)
Carmen was the school's top student until an "accident" occurred and her twin brother Corwin blinded her left eye while the two were sparring at school. After that, Carmen still did very well with the academics but fell to the bottom of the class rankings regarding the physical stuff, like knife-fighting.
So, an incident occurs in the last days before graduation and suddenly Carmen is in danger of NOT graduating with her class. Corwin drops by to suggest that she go after a black swan egg. He tells her he is sure she can steal one from a swan nest and that the 25 points her professor will give her will guarantee that she can graduate on time after all.
Except, of course, she drops the egg down a mountain side and lands at the entrance to a dark cave. Which holds an imprisoned dragon.
Long story short, she finally manages to free the dragon, who is actually a rare breed and quite intelligent. She and the dragon finally strike a bargain and voila, this new assassin has her own mount. (And, no, the dragon is NOT very happy about it but is willing to both endure her company and actually work with her as a team of two.)
This book is a refreshing change of pace for me because it is both full of action and also strategy, as the dragon is quite a character in his own right.
Better, this is book one of a twelve book series. Book twelve came out in 2022. (I have not wanted to find out if the story is really over at that point, in case Arthur Slade is busy writing the next installment!)
Highly recommended for fantasy series fans, fans of young person meets dragon and becomes a partner books, and readers who enjoy plenty of character-driven action!
February 7, 2019
DRAGON ASSASSIN: TWIN FURY is Arthur Slade's second foray into high fantasy following his previous work Crimson. Where Crimson felt like a novelization of a Hayao Miyazaki anime, this tale is akin to other dragon-based fantasy. Think of character level fantasy of the dragon drums Harper Hall trilogy by Anne McCaffrey rather than the world encompassing Dragon Riders of Pern.
The protagonist of this story is a one-eyed assassin named Carmen. One of the most satisfying things about her is that nothing is easy for her. Following her struggles is one of the compelling reasons that this story is interesting.
The second aspect that is compelling is the depth of world building that occurs. The continent of Ellos is comprised of two parts, the Akkad Empire and the Five Realms. The focus of the action in this story takes place in an unclaimed mountainous region nestled between the two major territories.
The Red Adept Assassin School is the setting of the tale. It's here in this remote mountain fortress that Carmen and other assassins get their training.
As this is the first book of a series, the scope is wisely limited to the events surrounding Carmen and her activities at the assassin school. The larger events of the world have impacts felt at Carmen's scale, but ultimately it is a story about getting enough extras credits in the last semester to graduate.
And also there's a dragon.
The focus mainly on Carmen using of her wits to get to graduate from Assassin School. All while hiding large secrets from her highly trained cohorts.
The largest secret, of course is the dragon Brax.
I prefer to write spoiler free reviews. So suffice to say that Slade writes with an efficient purpose and the story is taut. It's a quick collage of materials pulled from different sources, but an overall enjoyable experience.
The protagonist of this story is a one-eyed assassin named Carmen. One of the most satisfying things about her is that nothing is easy for her. Following her struggles is one of the compelling reasons that this story is interesting.
The second aspect that is compelling is the depth of world building that occurs. The continent of Ellos is comprised of two parts, the Akkad Empire and the Five Realms. The focus of the action in this story takes place in an unclaimed mountainous region nestled between the two major territories.
The Red Adept Assassin School is the setting of the tale. It's here in this remote mountain fortress that Carmen and other assassins get their training.
As this is the first book of a series, the scope is wisely limited to the events surrounding Carmen and her activities at the assassin school. The larger events of the world have impacts felt at Carmen's scale, but ultimately it is a story about getting enough extras credits in the last semester to graduate.
And also there's a dragon.
The focus mainly on Carmen using of her wits to get to graduate from Assassin School. All while hiding large secrets from her highly trained cohorts.
The largest secret, of course is the dragon Brax.
I prefer to write spoiler free reviews. So suffice to say that Slade writes with an efficient purpose and the story is taut. It's a quick collage of materials pulled from different sources, but an overall enjoyable experience.
April 24, 2019
Twin Fury is the first in the three-book YA Dragon Assassin series. Coming in at 121 pages, it’s a short read, but this novella/short novel packs in a lot of story.
The story begins with Carmen describing how she lost her eye thanks to her—not so nice—twin brother during a fencing class. With one eye and no depth of vision, Carmen moves from being top of her assassin class to being close to the bottom.
With graduation looming, Carmen makes a vision-based mistake during her poisons practical exam. The only way to graduate is for Carmen to bring back a wild black swan’s egg—these giant birds are an assassin’s normal mode of transport!
So, Carmen goes off to steal an egg. In the process, she tumbles off a cliff, lands at the edge of a cave and meets Brax, a dragon. Brax is smart, witty and keeps his promises. He promises not to eat Carmen if she’s can find a way to break the enchanted manacle keeping him chained to the cave she’s found him in.
While Carmen looks for ways to free Bax and graduate, a high ranking official and the emperor’s son are both assassinated. Now is not a good time to be an assassin or a student of the craft.
The developing relationship between Brax and Carmen is a delight to read, and the worldbuilding around the assassins’ school deftly handled—think Hogwarts for assassins. There’s a nice twist close to the book’s conclusion, which alters Carmen and binds Brax to her. This left me wanting to know what happens next, which is covered in the second book, Shadow Hunter.
The story begins with Carmen describing how she lost her eye thanks to her—not so nice—twin brother during a fencing class. With one eye and no depth of vision, Carmen moves from being top of her assassin class to being close to the bottom.
With graduation looming, Carmen makes a vision-based mistake during her poisons practical exam. The only way to graduate is for Carmen to bring back a wild black swan’s egg—these giant birds are an assassin’s normal mode of transport!
So, Carmen goes off to steal an egg. In the process, she tumbles off a cliff, lands at the edge of a cave and meets Brax, a dragon. Brax is smart, witty and keeps his promises. He promises not to eat Carmen if she’s can find a way to break the enchanted manacle keeping him chained to the cave she’s found him in.
While Carmen looks for ways to free Bax and graduate, a high ranking official and the emperor’s son are both assassinated. Now is not a good time to be an assassin or a student of the craft.
The developing relationship between Brax and Carmen is a delight to read, and the worldbuilding around the assassins’ school deftly handled—think Hogwarts for assassins. There’s a nice twist close to the book’s conclusion, which alters Carmen and binds Brax to her. This left me wanting to know what happens next, which is covered in the second book, Shadow Hunter.
February 17, 2022
This is actually a compendium of the first three books in a 12 book series. These books are somewhere between junior and young adult. Reading individual books would have taken just about a day, but reading the first three together gave enough heft to make the read worthwhile.
The book is set in an alternate world where there are still individual kingdoms, magic exists, and dragons, though rarely seen, are real. Students at a school for assassins are getting ready to graduate when some of their classmates, along with Imperial troops, do a lot more than just interrupt the ceremony. A few survivors strike out, one looking for revenge against the leader of the terrorists, a person she knows very well.
The young woman meets a dragon, and a hesitant partnership forms. The dialogue between the two is reminiscent of buddy cop shows. Though there are some violent actions, there is no real description of blood or other gore. The story is not going to be on school reading lists in 50 years, nor is it a prime example of high fantasy. It is, though, a fun read and a story that made me care about the characters.
The book is set in an alternate world where there are still individual kingdoms, magic exists, and dragons, though rarely seen, are real. Students at a school for assassins are getting ready to graduate when some of their classmates, along with Imperial troops, do a lot more than just interrupt the ceremony. A few survivors strike out, one looking for revenge against the leader of the terrorists, a person she knows very well.
The young woman meets a dragon, and a hesitant partnership forms. The dialogue between the two is reminiscent of buddy cop shows. Though there are some violent actions, there is no real description of blood or other gore. The story is not going to be on school reading lists in 50 years, nor is it a prime example of high fantasy. It is, though, a fun read and a story that made me care about the characters.
January 2, 2019
A knock-out reader's hook, a strongly willed female protagonist, and a Dragon! propel this initial episode of Arthur Slade's new DRAGON ASSASSIN dark fantasy series. Carmen and her twin brother were left as infants at the Assassins' mountaintop fortress. Growing up, they were enrolled in the Assassins' school and are about to graduate when the Emperor Prince, a child, is assassinated by poison. Killing children is barred by the Assassins' code of honor, but nonetheless, it has happened, and the Emperor is determined to tear the fortress apart to find the killer. On a search for a swan's egg to bring back in order to boost her less-than-perfect grades, Carmen discovers a captive Scythian dragon chained in a cave, and bonds with him. He is very intelligent; he reads! This is a series to get one's teeth (and wings and claws) into!
April 12, 2021
This book falls into the category of easily could have been meant for adults. If you hold a grudge against YA, don't include this series. The characters easily hold up their end of the bargain, taking the reader on a journey that is as recognizable as it is entertaining. Talk about your sibling rivalry.
There is a leap of faith required in believing that the traitor managed to make the connections he did, but you do have to consider that the emperor was likely looking for someone to turn. I suppose it is possible. I only considered this in passing. The story tucked me in immediately and I really liked Carmen. Never say die, right?
Did I mention how happy I was to find out this is a series? I was happy. Don't let how long it took me to finish this book be an indication of anything but life getting in the way.
There is a leap of faith required in believing that the traitor managed to make the connections he did, but you do have to consider that the emperor was likely looking for someone to turn. I suppose it is possible. I only considered this in passing. The story tucked me in immediately and I really liked Carmen. Never say die, right?
Did I mention how happy I was to find out this is a series? I was happy. Don't let how long it took me to finish this book be an indication of anything but life getting in the way.
February 28, 2019
Interesting
It was a good start.
I was hoping a male human and female dragon bonding instead and through a way nicer way and out of love and kindness in each other. The way it happened here kinda was not nice.
If only I could see again out of my left eye like she did. (Retina detached when I was a baby).
Those weapons are awesome.
I'm not sure if I am surprised on the events or if I saw them already coming.
If I was her I of told him the story and look for companionship in him after I free him.
I ask him my requests and he be able to fully accept or decline them.
That way it wouldn't be slavery and be more of bonding as one. Like true friends or more than friends if they will be.
I am pretty sure only 1 or 2 others survived.
It was a good start.
I was hoping a male human and female dragon bonding instead and through a way nicer way and out of love and kindness in each other. The way it happened here kinda was not nice.
If only I could see again out of my left eye like she did. (Retina detached when I was a baby).
Those weapons are awesome.
I'm not sure if I am surprised on the events or if I saw them already coming.
If I was her I of told him the story and look for companionship in him after I free him.
I ask him my requests and he be able to fully accept or decline them.
That way it wouldn't be slavery and be more of bonding as one. Like true friends or more than friends if they will be.
I am pretty sure only 1 or 2 others survived.
November 1, 2021
This is hard to just write about this book because I bought the Omnibus of the first three books and honestly, I went through them so easily that it was hard to know where each book began and ended.
Let me just say this. This story starts us on the journey with a young assassin Carmen - well, she has trained to be an assassin but does not get to graduate from "Assassin School" because her brother goes all "evil villian" and sets up an attack that kills everyone in the school.
Well, that is not completely what happens, but you will have to read it to find out the details. It is that interesting.
If you are looking for a fun, easy to read fantasy book about cranky dragons...this is the one.
Let me just say this. This story starts us on the journey with a young assassin Carmen - well, she has trained to be an assassin but does not get to graduate from "Assassin School" because her brother goes all "evil villian" and sets up an attack that kills everyone in the school.
Well, that is not completely what happens, but you will have to read it to find out the details. It is that interesting.
If you are looking for a fun, easy to read fantasy book about cranky dragons...this is the one.
January 16, 2019
For someone of my age (60's) who has been in love with all things 'Dragon' for forever, I found this book absolutely delightful and am really looking forward to reading the remainder of this series. For those of a younger ilk, there is plenty of drama, deceit and wonder (it has a real live Dragon!) to keep you entertained and wanting more.
Arthur Slade has a way of writing that will keep the young entertained, and remind the not so young that it's ok to indulge their inner child.
Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Dragon Assassin: Twin Fury as an ARC from the Author and have chosen to leave a review.
Arthur Slade has a way of writing that will keep the young entertained, and remind the not so young that it's ok to indulge their inner child.
Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Dragon Assassin: Twin Fury as an ARC from the Author and have chosen to leave a review.
March 9, 2020
Carmen is an assassin trainee who lost one eye because of a training duel with her brother who said that it was an accident. because of her eye, her depth perception is affected, causing her to mess up in her finals sciences & poisons lab, so to gain extra credit she goes to get giant flying swan egg, and meets a dangerous dragon to whom she makes a deal. But an assassin slays the infant prince and war on all assassins is declared, and her brother gives aid to warriors who slayed the assassins in silence. So she becomes determined to kill her brother, and her plot fails with being booted off a mountain, so she makes the deal mentioned earlier to the dragon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2019
This is the first episode in a serialised fantasy story, and all I can say is WOW!! I loved it, and cannot wait for the next episode to find out what happens next! If you like fantasy stories, dragons, assassins, or are just looking for something completely different to read, I'd DEFINITELY recommend this book - just be prepared to be waiting on tenterhooks for the next episode.. unless, of course, you're cheating and reading them all at the end!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
June 3, 2020
I have listened to quite a few of Arthur Slade’s audiobooks on audible. He has quite the range of books for a variety of listener styles. His books are for young adults but as an adult I enjoy them. The reader did such a wonderful job with her voice, she really fit the character I thought! A good story line which held my interest. At the end I’m ready to listen to volume two now! What’s next for our dragon assassin? By the way I always love the endings in his books. I had no idea how this one was going to wrap up but I liked it!
February 21, 2022
Twin Fury by Arthur Slade: YA Adventure Fantasy. Coming-of-age. Assassins. Dragons. Single POV. Friendships. Magic. Siblings. Betrayal. Revenge.
A quick fast-paced read that's exciting and funny with high stakes and great friendships.
How much I liked it: 3.5 - 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Emotional Highs and Lows: Above Average
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character Interaction: Average
Animal Characterisation using original body language: Average
Execution: 5 Stars
A quick fast-paced read that's exciting and funny with high stakes and great friendships.
How much I liked it: 3.5 - 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Emotional Highs and Lows: Above Average
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character Interaction: Average
Animal Characterisation using original body language: Average
Execution: 5 Stars
February 15, 2019
Well, ** this ** is an interesting situation.
The heroine ( who, IMHO, ) is not always the brightest match in the penny book, has gotten herself
into a prize pickle ! She's certainly worth keeping an eye on and I'm definitely wanting to see how she manages to deal with her problems. I'll be following the series to see how she goes on.
I've received this story free in return for an honest review.
Phyllis
The heroine ( who, IMHO, ) is not always the brightest match in the penny book, has gotten herself
into a prize pickle ! She's certainly worth keeping an eye on and I'm definitely wanting to see how she manages to deal with her problems. I'll be following the series to see how she goes on.
I've received this story free in return for an honest review.
Phyllis
January 3, 2022
Reading this was particularly grating. The constant, constant, constant mention of how the protagonist only had a single eye, even mentioned multiple times on a single page drove me mad. We get it; it's possible to write the accommodations she made to account for her vision without tacking on "I couldn't do this, because I only have one eye—woe is me."
This repetition, along with the flat tell-don't-show writing is why I almost DNF'd this, spared only by how short the book is.
This repetition, along with the flat tell-don't-show writing is why I almost DNF'd this, spared only by how short the book is.
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