Ladykiller: A tale of an assassin of Dakaal

by Samantha Kroese

The young half-Elf known as Ladykiller leads dual lives. As he is a renowned assassin for The Shadowed Divide, the world’s elite assassin guild. Handsome and gifted with the mysterious magic of the Night Creatures, he is a blood-drinking charmer. Seductive and deadly, he earned the title Ladykiller, with his irresistible nature toward noblewomen and easily killing them for contract.As he is the devout protector of the only person in the world that matters to him, his younger brother Ruel. Ruel daydreams of being a knight and pursuing justice, quite the opposite of what the Divide looks for in an assassin. Onyx does his best to keep his brother close while not letting the dregs of their criminal environment destroy the good in Ruel.With the Divide under attack, the brothers scatter. They discover that life outside the Divide’s protection is wrought with danger as well. Will Onyx choose the life he enjoys as Ladykiller, or save his brother from a predator from the past?

248 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

Samantha Kroese is the author of ten published Dark Fantasy novels including the best-selling Fading Lights Trilogy. She has also written The Assassins of Dakaal Series (Regret, Ladykiller, Niyx, Sephyrn), Restless Dreams of Darkness, The Darkest Sword, and Cursed Song.

She loves to write dark tales about hope surviving against impossible odds and brings a refreshing perspective to the genre. From a young age, her goal has been to write stories that will shine the light of hope for those living in the abyss. She has been writing fiction for nearly thirty years, ran a fantasy writer’s critique circle for fifteen years, and has edited works for other authors. She has completed writing dozens of fantasy novels and created thousands of detailed characters. She hopes to be able to present most of them to her reading public in due course.

Samantha is also an avid life-long gamer who enjoys story-driven role-playing video games. A big fan of comic books and superheroes, she enjoys exploring tales of characters who are larger than life and the ordinary people who interact with them. In addition to writing, she is an avid horse lover and an animal rescue advocate, often speaking out for horse rescue and feral cat causes. She writes from the frozen tundra of Minnesota where she lives with her Arabian stallion, that she is convinced is really a unicorn, and her army of delightful rescued cat minions.

Reviews

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read fantasy because I usually don't understand much of a fantasy world, but Kroese makes it so easy to get to know and enjoy her characters. Elves, night creatures, shadow demons, all of that stuff is a fairly new concept for me. Using and learning their magics were new for some of these characters, so I was learning their capabilities as they learned to hone them. I also like how there's a small bit of happy feel good romance amongst these dark worlds of violence and hatred.
Floof(cat) was probably my favorite parts of the entire book. I'm a sucker for animals. The bond between the brothers in this book was strong and almost gut wretching at times while they were separated and in peril. Reading the first assassin book isn't necessary, but it did help me enjoy the book much more

[A.C. Merkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic cat is king. I was dying during the discussion of whether Floof could Poof and the required energy intake.
And then the pictures in the back of the inspiration melted my heart! The FLOOF IS REAL.

Anyone can enjoy. It’s not my usual sandbox. Highly recommended to people who love elves!

[Evelyn Chartres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Kroese is an independent author who loves to write dark tales about hope surviving against impossible odds.

Ladykiller is a dark fantasy tale about an assassin who is renowned for his dealings with women. Kroese has created a world with a dark and gritty edge. No one is white as snow, and their motivations are revealed as the story develops.

The author weaves two points of view throughout and manages to do so with little duplication. The juxtaposition between the two brothers works out beautifully, revealing both sides of the story.

Ladykiller is a quick read that will introduce you to a world that is both rich in history and lore. It offers a satisfying ending and closes up all major plot points. While there are other books in this world, this story is effectively a stand alone work and is well worth a read.

[Jacob Klop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladykiller tells the story of two brothers, Onyx and Ruel, who are trying to get away from The Divide, a cruel assassins guild. The plot takes a number of other turns, but I don’t want to spoil it.

I enjoyed the world that was created and the characters. There’s also some cool ideas, particularly with regard to magic and the protecting creatures. A certain cat named Floof is a nice addition.

The style of writing is fast-paced, which I appreciate, however I do think it is a bit too quick. There is room for more world building and character development that would make this novel even more enjoyable.

It's probably helpful to read the first in the series, Regret.

Over-all, I was entertained.

[Denise White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This book was enjoyable as well and it makes me definitely want to continue the series I love the plot I love how we sing old characters and was introduced to new.. Off to the next book!!