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DEAD REIGN: The Chronicles of Solomon Drake
Solomon Drake and Frankenstein travel to New York City to deal with an infestation of Fire Bats in the City’s Subway Tunnels. Weeks later, Solomon is implicated in the murder of Edgar Yokes, (the Wizard responsible for the Fire Bats running amuck in the city) when a note in Solomon’s handwriting is found at the deceased’s home. Two veteran detectives from New York and the head of the Black Guard make Solomon's life a living hell as he attempts to prove his innocence. If that isn't bad enough, someone is sending Zombies after Solomon to kill him to prevent him from discovering the truth about Edgar’s murder.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 8, 2026
Dead Reign pulled me in because it feels like Solomon Drake’s life is always one bad day away from disaster — and this time, disaster hits fast. The early chaos in the subway and the creepy rise of zombie-style threats set a grim tone, but what really hooked me was seeing Solomon suddenly become the prime suspect in a wizard’s murder. That light “framed for a crime” angle adds just enough paranoia without giving too much away. I loved how every step he takes to fix things seems to drag him deeper into trouble, making the world feel dangerous and alive.
On a personal level, this book worked for me because Solomon doesn’t feel like an untouchable hero. He gets frustrated, cornered, and occasionally makes messy decisions. His narration has that dry, slightly sarcastic edge that makes even tense scenes enjoyable. There are small character moments — quiet talks, uneasy alliances, hints of trust issues — that stuck with me more than the action. The supernatural elements are cool, but it’s Solomon reacting to them like a stressed, stubborn human that made me invested.
I’m giving this five stars because it balanced dark fantasy with personality. The stakes feel real, the magic never overshadows the characters, and the story kept me wanting “just one more chapter.” Even with only light spoilers, I can say the blend of mystery, danger, and Solomon’s inner voice made this a standout read for me. It’s the kind of urban fantasy that feels gritty but still fun, and I finished it already wanting to jump to the next entry in his story.
On a personal level, this book worked for me because Solomon doesn’t feel like an untouchable hero. He gets frustrated, cornered, and occasionally makes messy decisions. His narration has that dry, slightly sarcastic edge that makes even tense scenes enjoyable. There are small character moments — quiet talks, uneasy alliances, hints of trust issues — that stuck with me more than the action. The supernatural elements are cool, but it’s Solomon reacting to them like a stressed, stubborn human that made me invested.
I’m giving this five stars because it balanced dark fantasy with personality. The stakes feel real, the magic never overshadows the characters, and the story kept me wanting “just one more chapter.” Even with only light spoilers, I can say the blend of mystery, danger, and Solomon’s inner voice made this a standout read for me. It’s the kind of urban fantasy that feels gritty but still fun, and I finished it already wanting to jump to the next entry in his story.
June 4, 2020
Author Robert York is back with his second book DEAD REIGN in The Chronicles of Solomon Drake series!
Just like the first book, the second installment also has the gripping narration told in the voice of the main character, Solomon Drake. The storyline is extremely unique and engaging which kept me hooked to the book for days. Just like the first novel it’s a bit lengthy but there wasn't a moment where I thought the story dragged or was overly written.
The story has a smooth flow and is humorous at times and is a delightful read. From the beginning of the story there’s action with Solomon and Frank battling fire bats in the subways of New York. Shortly after this incident Solomon is implicated in the murder of another Wizard that purchased that bats from Blackmane’s Magic and Potion Shop. I thought the duel investigations of both magical police and mortal police was gripping and intriguing. Solomon then tries to prove his innocence but is hindered by Zombies and Red Caps. There are a few shocking twists and turns but I was a little disappointed that the romance between the Vampire Adrianna Thorne and Solomon wasn’t pursued in this sequel. There was however a little indication at the end of the story that their romance will be a main feature in the third book, NIGHTMARES, which is due out soon.
I experienced a range of emotions while reading DEAD REIGN and the way the author, Robert York has written this book made me feel at times that I was actually there with the characters, experiencing their hardships and triumphs.
DEAD REIGN is filled with adventure, excitement, mythological creatures and magic which will amaze you. In some Urban Fantasy novels I’ve read character development is an issue, they seem on dimensional to me. Unlike those novels, the characters in this book felt like real people, they each had their own personality and way of speaking. I could almost hear the accents and dialects of the various characters.
The highlight of the book is the writing style of the author Robert York which has impressed me from the first book RELICS.
Overall DEAD REIGN has attractive cover art with an equally impressive story and is a must-read series.
Just like the first book, the second installment also has the gripping narration told in the voice of the main character, Solomon Drake. The storyline is extremely unique and engaging which kept me hooked to the book for days. Just like the first novel it’s a bit lengthy but there wasn't a moment where I thought the story dragged or was overly written.
The story has a smooth flow and is humorous at times and is a delightful read. From the beginning of the story there’s action with Solomon and Frank battling fire bats in the subways of New York. Shortly after this incident Solomon is implicated in the murder of another Wizard that purchased that bats from Blackmane’s Magic and Potion Shop. I thought the duel investigations of both magical police and mortal police was gripping and intriguing. Solomon then tries to prove his innocence but is hindered by Zombies and Red Caps. There are a few shocking twists and turns but I was a little disappointed that the romance between the Vampire Adrianna Thorne and Solomon wasn’t pursued in this sequel. There was however a little indication at the end of the story that their romance will be a main feature in the third book, NIGHTMARES, which is due out soon.
I experienced a range of emotions while reading DEAD REIGN and the way the author, Robert York has written this book made me feel at times that I was actually there with the characters, experiencing their hardships and triumphs.
DEAD REIGN is filled with adventure, excitement, mythological creatures and magic which will amaze you. In some Urban Fantasy novels I’ve read character development is an issue, they seem on dimensional to me. Unlike those novels, the characters in this book felt like real people, they each had their own personality and way of speaking. I could almost hear the accents and dialects of the various characters.
The highlight of the book is the writing style of the author Robert York which has impressed me from the first book RELICS.
Overall DEAD REIGN has attractive cover art with an equally impressive story and is a must-read series.
January 27, 2026
Robert York did it again! Another amazing fast paced funny, adventure-packed ride! I LOVE THE CHRONICLES OF SOLOMON DRAKE! I can’t wait to start book 3! If you have not read Relics or Dead Reign you are missing out one 2 of the best books I’ve read in 2026! You must check them out!
January 29, 2026
This takes everything that was great about Relics and doubles down. Still some minor pacing issues but overall the story was a upgrade from Relics. The humor was perfect and the action was great. Highly enjoyed it through and through.
February 9, 2026
This book was a good continuation of the story from book 1. It contained some humor, some romance, and a lot of magic and action. This is a great second novel from Robert York and I can’t wait to see what happens to young Solomon next!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews