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Daindreth's Assassin #0
The Archduke: A Daindreth's Assassin novella
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.
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.
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First published September 21, 2021
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About the author
Elisabeth Wheatley
34 books4,601 followersElisabeth Wheatley is a fantasy author because warrior princess wasn’t an option. She loves tea and asking questions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 21, 2023
Boss move, introducing a world, while leaving a lot of questions. Well done! Might put the rest of this series on my list.
July 25, 2024
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
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
September 10, 2021
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!
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!
January 29, 2025
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.
. 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.
August 3, 2025
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.
August 10, 2024
2024 Reads #440/250
October 3, 2024
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.
"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.
December 23, 2023
Review of this and Daindreth's Outlaw can be found here: https://kingmagu.blogspot.com/2023/12...
February 7, 2025
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.
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.
October 16, 2023
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.
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.
May 2, 2025
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.
'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.
October 24, 2023
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.)
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.)
September 24, 2021
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
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
January 3, 2024
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.
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.
May 24, 2024
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.
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.
September 22, 2024
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.
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.
January 3, 2025
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.
July 5, 2025
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.
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.
November 14, 2024
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
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.
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.
July 29, 2025
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
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.
December 7, 2024
While this novella is told from Daindreth's point of view, Amira still shows up in her all her glory. It was nice seeing the story develop from Daindreth's point of view as well and expand on some of his backstory. I saw a rumor there may be further books written as a prequel to Daindreth's Assassin. I certainly hope so. Excellent work!
June 10, 2025
I like how this was added after the end of Daindreth's Assassin, showing the first part of the novel from the perspective of the Archduke in all this, after we already know what Amira was going through. The style somehow felt more refined than in the novel itself, at least in its beginning. I am looking forward to reading the sequels :)
April 6, 2023
I listened to this narrated by the author herself and it was fantastic! I loved hearing Daindreth’s perspective as it really put the story together. I read Daindreth’s Assassin first. I just really loved this! It won’t disappoint at all!
May 22, 2024
Love the veiw point this gave the story! Me and my sister read this prior to starting the series and I feel like that helped us see the archdukes perspective better in the beginning. I would highly recommend this series to all! For such a short quick read, this novel backs a punch!
October 5, 2024
The Archduke is a short and sweet recap of Daindreth meeting his assassin from his POV. It was just as captivating and easy to read as Daindreth’s Assassin. I loved getting his side of the story and seeing more of what he’s dealing with. Overall, great read!
November 6, 2024
This is my first Elisabeth Wheatley book and I am 100% a book goblin for her writing. I got this one as an audiobook since Ms. Wheatley narrates. She is FABULOUS! I can’t wait to start Daindreth’s Assassin!
February 20, 2025
A fun addition to the series. The only real criticism I have of it is that it's very short so much so that it feels incomplete with a rather abrupt end. I would have much preferred a twilight like midnight sun with the whole murder plan shenanigans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews