The Archduke: A Daindreth's Assassin novella

Daindreth's Assassin #0.5

by Elisabeth Wheatley

Daindreth had spent most of his life learning to ignore the voice in his head, but that didn’t stop the demon—the cythraul—from speaking.

Daindreth Fanduillion has learned to live with it after inheriting the curse that drove his father mad, but a sorceress’s assassination attempt changes everything. She fails, but temporarily frees him from the demon that has plagued him for more than half his life.

To his surprise, Daindreth learns that she is Amira Brindonu, half-sister to his betrothed and daughter of a sworn enemy. Guilty of high treason, she should be sent to the gallows, but Amira is his only hope and Daindreth is willing to pay any price for the chance at a cure.

Against the advice of his friends and advisors, he becomes determined to do whatever he must to win her over into his service—if she doesn’t kill him first.

Then again, losing his life seems a small price to pay for the chance to save his soul.

The Archduke is a 18,500-word companion novella telling the story of Amira and Daindreth’s meeting from Daindreth’s point of view. It can be read before or after Daindreth’s Assassin.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fiction, Novella, Magic, Audiobook

60 pages, ebook

First published September 21, 2021

About the author

Elisabeth Wheatley is a fantasy author because warrior princess wasn’t an option. She loves tea and asking questions.

Reviews

[Ronie Reads]

Boss move, introducing a world, while leaving a lot of questions. Well done! Might put the rest of this series on my list.

[evlove]

4 solid intriguing ⭐️’s 🧝‍♀️🩸👑⛓️⚔️🛡️

This was amazing! I actually was invested in the plot which doesnt usually happen with fantasy. I often feel like the authors are pushing out trends and tropes and stuffing them down our throats but this wonderful start to this enticing series is in a league of its own. The plot is so unique and the fantasy is very dignified and respectful. I feel like Elisabeth really took her time making sure motives and characters made sense for their actions and we have this beautiful cacophony of motives that creates this really interesting plot line thats also strong! I was not expecting this to intrigue me so much and am so excited to proceed with the series 🫶

That said i listened to this on audio and i think it couldve been edited more 😅 sometimes she repeated the same sentence twice. I didnt really care that much tho if imma be honest

[MGB]

The author really wrote a tale to draw the reader in. Who knew that your assassin could possibly be your best hope? Who knew it wasn't as simple as that?

We learn of demons, and sorceresses - and even more magical power. Yet the Archduke has to maintain a calm demeanor through it all. Could you do that?

This is a great introduction to this series. A highly recommended read!

[Jess]

Such an exciting introduction to the series!!!

[As You Wish]

I'm so glad this was included in my copy of . It is from Daindreth's perspective, from their first meeting until the night before they leave her father's kingdom. I can only hope we get more from his point of view as the series goes on.

[Jane]

Interesting start of romantasy series. I like the author’s instagram content, so I’ve decided to try her books :)

[Maša]

Well, this was underwhelming. It had an intriguing premise but was bogged down by tropes and strange sentence choices, even to my English-as-a-second-language eye. I’m not interested in slogging through a couple of books before the writing improves, so I won’t be continuing the series. I do like the historical angle, though, so I might try the author’s other works in my ever-long search for stories that scratch that Prince Valiant itch.

[Juliane]

Obwohl das ja „nur“ die andere POV vom Anfang von Teil 1 war und sich somit vieles gedoppelt hat, fand ich dass die Novelle einiges an Tiefe zu Dains Charakter beigetragen hat. Dass er nicht von Anfang an so selbstlos gedacht hat sondern auch ein bisschen eigennützig handelt hat ihn in meinen Augen viel realistischer gemacht, daher hat mir der Blick in seinen Kopf gut gefallen. (Sorgen macht mir, dass ich den Dämon irgendwie zum Teil ein bisschen Funny finde? Hm 😅😂)

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm)]

2024 Reads #440/250

[sarah kraemer]

3.5⭐️

[Candace Holland]

it was slow for me getting into it, but now im excited to read the series

[Meghan]

3.5 ⭐️

"The Archduke" is a Daindreth's Assassin novella by Elisabeth Wheatley, offering fans a fresh perspective on the larger series by telling the story from Daindreth’s point of view. It serves as a prequel, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of Daindreth Fanduillion, a character whose struggles have long captivated fans. Daindreth has spent most of his life battling the voice of a demon in his head—a curse that drove his father to madness. Though Daindreth has grown accustomed to this dark presence, an attempted assassination by a sorceress disrupts his equilibrium. While she fails to kill him, her attack momentarily silences the demon that has haunted him for years, throwing his world into turmoil.

As someone who has followed Elisabeth Wheatley’s work online, I was excited to dive into this novella. I’ve always enjoyed her “Book Goblin” series, so naturally, I had high expectations for this. Like many fans, I was drawn to Daindreth Fanduillion, touted as the "ultimate book boyfriend" by internet consensus. However, starting with the novella might have been a misstep. While the story itself is engaging and has plenty of potential, I found the audiobook experience hindered by some editing issues, which detracted from the overall immersion. That said, I'm still invested in the series and plan to continue reading, with hopes that future audiobooks are produced with smoother execution.

[Malin]

Review of this and Daindreth's Outlaw can be found here: https://kingmagu.blogspot.com/2023/12...

[Solace Winter]

This is a novella, it's either a companion novel, or an introduction novel, to Daindreth's Assassin. I have not read ANYTHING by Wheatley before, but I follow her on all the things because Book Goblin is one of my favorite things.

First, my complaint: there were several parts in the audio narration that doubled up and weren't caught in error. For a two hour novella, it was too much to have tripped on like this. This took the half star away.

Now, the positive: holy crap, I don't think I've ever just enjoyed a novella as much as I did this one. Again, I haven't read Daindreth's Assassin, so this is the first one I've read in the series and I want to know EVERYTHING. I was not expecting to be this invested in this, and I was and I can't wait for my library to get the first novel in stock so I can hurry up and enjoy it because this was captivating.

[Heather]

Daindreth had spent most of his life learning to ignore the voice in his head, but that didn’t stop the demon—the cythraul—from speaking.
Daindreth Fanduillion has learned to live with it after inheriting the curse that drove his father mad, but a sorceress’s assassination attempt changes everything. She fails, but temporarily frees him from the demon that has plagued him for more than half his life.
To his surprise, Daindreth learns that she is Amira Brindonu, half-sister to his betrothed and daughter of a sworn enemy. Guilty of high treason, she should be sent to the gallows, but Amira is his only hope and Daindreth is willing to pay any price for the chance at a cure.
Against the advice of his friends and advisors, he becomes determined to do whatever he must to win her over into his service—if she doesn’t kill him first.
Then again, losing his life seems a small price to pay for the chance to save his soul.

Heather's Notes
It was nice to see Daindreth's POV. I liked Daindreth in the 1st book and I like him even more than. I wish we could have seen more of his thoughts. Of course, us readers, never satifisied.

[Chloe]

Best read AFTER Daindreth's Assassin (Book 1).

'The Archduke' narrates tells events of the first few chapters of Daindreth's Assassin from Daindreth's perspective, which is fitting since the series is named after him. It made me empathise with Dain even more, witnessing the horrors of Caa Iss (the demon that lives inside Dain) through his eyes.

My favourite scene was the opening chapter's blow-by-blow fight scene that shows how great Amira's skill is, going up against Caa Iss and coming out victorious. Amira's victory silences Cas Iss for a time, giving Dain hope that she can end his curse. Dain becomes obsessed with finding his assassin - who just so happens to be his betrothed's elder sister. Daindreth knows he should hate her for trying to kill him, but he falls for Amira's beauty and independence and realises that there's more to her assassination attempt than it seems and that he has more enemies in the kingdom than he imagined.

I'm excited to read the rest of the series.

TW: some mention of self-harm and allusion to rape and torture.

[Erin Penn]

The Archduke is available on audiobook or as a free giveaway (not audio) for signing up for the author's newsletter (something that might change after she finishes this series and/or stories written within the world world, as it is looking like she might do a spin-off series for Thadred).

This short story is the activities of the first section of book one (Drindreth's Assassin) from the Duke's point of view. I think it is best read after book one, but it works before book one as well. The story allows one to see how the Archduke is impacted by his affliction.

Overall, it fits the series well and is a fun short read.

It could use a round of copyediting to clean up duplicate/echo words - but for a giveaway product, I understand why the author did not spring for the editing cost. (And echo words are one of the hardest things to find in your own writing.)

[Kaitlyn Deann]

This novella offers wonderful insight into Daindreth’s perspective through many decisions he makes and odd happenings from Daindreth’s Assassin, book 1 in Wheatley’s intriguing new series. It really pulls together the story for the reader, having now read both Amira’s POV and now Daindreth’s.

We get to see and feel the struggle Daindreth has been experiencing for years. Caa Iss, the demon inside his head, is creepy and annoying. You will wish nothing more than for Daindreth to be free of him!

While I would’ve loved reading all of Daindreth’s Assassin in Daindreth’s perspective, a novella’s worth was very satisfying! It left me wishing for more of the story from his eyes.

PLOT: 5/5

PACING: 5/5

CHARACTERS: 5/5

ESCAPISM: 5/5

[Mina]

For all the language weirdos out there, 'Caa Iss' sounds like 'cais' in Romanian, meaning 'apricot tree.' Now I'm reading this and 'cythraul' and 'Caa Iss' just get overwritten with 'Mr. Apricot Demon.'

From my inner monologue to yours. You're welcome.

The fascinating thing in this novella is that because Daindreth holds such control over himself, he always only comes across as polite and kind. His poker face is inobtrusive. In 'Outlaw' some frustration comes across, but he seldom expresses negative feelings.

How delightful to know Daindreth can actually feel irritated and midly vindictive, when tired and wrecked with migraines. And it shows much better how Caa Iss impacted him before Amira.

[Becky]

3.5 Star Book
A demon, a cursed archduke and a seemingly cursed sorceress.

Okay, I think that this book is interesting, but for some reason the audiobook keeps repeating lines of text at least in chapter one, and I can’t tell if it’s on purpose. But it doesn’t feel like it was international. At least in chapter one this is a problem.

I do like the plan to marry Amira instead of her sister. The demon is an interesting element.

I do wonder what the two of the now engaged will do, comparing Amira to belladonna is just perfect. [81%]

This is a clever set up to a weird romance fantasy novella, I’m left wondering what will come to the rest of the series.

[Julie]

Spoilers for the first book of the series!!


This little novella was so well written! Prior to reading it, Daindreth’s urgent desire to be near Amira was heart-throbbing and cute to read. After getting the perspective of what it is like having Caa Iss in his head all the time, his need to be near her is more emotional and gut-wrenching. Of course he would barge into her room to get some relief from this demon! I know I would. A wonderful bit of perspective that really added to the story and made me go back and reread some scenes with this new perspective.

[Sara Henry]

I read this after the events of book 1, which, even though this is labeled #0.5, still feels correct. Can't appreciate what happens in this story without reading #1 first. It adds some dimension to things we already know, and answers small questions we might have had about the first parts of book #1. Hard to give anything of this length, which is just filling out details in another story, anything higher than 4 stars, but I think if you like the first book, and are interested in learning about the extras, read this.

[Regina Long]

It was a pleasant surprise to receive this as part of my ebook copy of "Daindreth's Assassin". I found it interesting to see Daindreth's perspective on his first meeting with Amira. I like the insight into his demon's mind and the limitations of Daindreth's ability to fight off Caa Iss.

I was a bit frustrated with the timeline on how long Daindreth's entourage spent in Amira's home court, and how long Daindreth spent courting Amira's sister. I'm pretty sure some places say he was there for weeks, and others mere days before he flipped the engagement to Amira.

[Jessica Forbes]

To my surprise, this was tucked in at the end of my copy of 'Daindreth's Assassin.' I admittedly wished that we got to see even more of Daindreth's viewpoint, as this only covered the early parts of the novel (what I'm saying is please expand this to a full fledged book), I found it fascinating to see what it was like to learn more about the demon that inhabits Daindreth and what it's like for him to be warring for control of his body, mind, and even soul.

[Jenny]

Eh.

After listening to Daindreth's Assassin (which I did enjoy), The Archduke was at the library, so I checked it out while waiting for Book 2 to be available. It's the male main character's perspective of the first part of the the first book of the series.

I know it's a very normal thing for a modern fantasy author to do--writing a second character's perspective of an already-written book--but it doesn't often work well. I think I liked Daindreth better when I wasn't inside his head.

[Amanda]

I read this after reading Daindreth’s Assassin. I really enjoyed getting Daindreth’s point of view for the beginning of the story. We get to see just how awful Caa Iss is, and it further solidifies why the amount of relief Daindreth gets from Caa Iss when Amira is around might allow him to trust someone who had originally tried to kill him. This is a great addition to the series and one I would not skip!

[Carlos]

Incredible just as I had expected. I'm sure this was intended to be read before Daindreth's Assassin which I in fact, did not do. But I enjoyed it nonetheless

The POV SWITCH had me in a choke hold the whole time and somehow he was even more of sweetheart from his one POV

I really wished we had been able to see the scene where he burst into Amira's room for the first time from his perspective but alas we did not.

Still an amazing short story and only took me 4 days to read (considering I am Avery slow reader that's good for me)

[Greymalkin]

I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series, which gives me hope for the rest of the series improving as well. While none of the information in the book is necessary to know, it did help to get into Daindreth's head and see his relationships with people other than Amira. Because once Amira arrives on the scene, he pretty much stops caring about anyone else, even his cousin (which is so frustrating!).

[Midnight Ink Drinker]

This is the perfect introduction to the story even though I didn’t read it until after the first full novel, where it appeared as the epilogue. However, honestly the reading order doesn’t matter. Whether you read this first or after the main book, you’ll still appreciate it cause doesn’t take anything away from the story it only enhances it.

It gives insight into Daindreth’s perspective. I feel like it added so much depth to his character. It’s well written and easy to follow.

[DW Davis]

In the novella The Archduke, Elisabeth Wheatley retells the start of Daindreth's Assassin from the point of view of Diandreth. Such a retelling ads an interesting and important aspect to the readers understanding of the story thus far and, I feel certain, will enhance enjoyment of the rest of the series.