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Dragon Assassin #8
Dragon Assassin 5: Deathwings
First came the woman with the golden spear. Then came Deathwings.
In this ultimate book in the dragon assassin series, the worlds are at war. The wizards, the giants, the dragons and the mortals have a common enemy. Can they come together in time before Deathwings descends? And will Carmen and Brax survive to join the fight?
This book contains the final two episodes in the bestselling
11. The Golden Spear - She came out of nowhere. With death in her left hand.
12. Deathwings - Deathwings is coming. The worlds will never be the same.
In this ultimate book in the dragon assassin series, the worlds are at war. The wizards, the giants, the dragons and the mortals have a common enemy. Can they come together in time before Deathwings descends? And will Carmen and Brax survive to join the fight?
This book contains the final two episodes in the bestselling
11. The Golden Spear - She came out of nowhere. With death in her left hand.
12. Deathwings - Deathwings is coming. The worlds will never be the same.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2022
About the author
Arthur Slade
77 books529 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 8, 2025
What an intense conclusion to this saga. When this series launched it was planned for an installment a month, over a year. That did not happen. But the waits have proved worth it, and the volumes have got progressively longer. And this final piece of the story is an exceptional piece of writing. The intensity and drama in this series built with every volume. And Slade has again delivered an excellent read.
The series begin with Carmen who is about to graduate from the Assassin Guild, who meets the Dragon Brax trapped in a cave. And the Assassin Guild nearly being wiped out. Carmen and Brax make an agreement and both have made oaths. But after travelling all over the lands. In volume 1 we had:
Family
Friends
Assassin School
Betrayal
A Dragon
A deal with said dragon
And more
Volume two continued with:
A reunion with a friend
An adversary turned friend
Aide from a former mentor and teacher
Another betrayal
A dragon to the rescue
The promise of three hands and a claw
Book three was where the plot twists began. Volume for we learned about dragon culture and customs. Volume six has a battle to the death. And Volume seven has a land of wizards, and a sort of reunion. And in this volume, it all comes together. And we return to some of the places from the first volume. And in this volume the twists in the plot completely took me by surprise.
Across the eight volumes we see a lot of action. The story is truly epic in a classic fantasy style. When Carmen goes out alone with Nameless, I was doubtful of the outcome. And when … Well to find out you will need to read the book.
The writing in this book and series is excellent. It is written in such a classic style. It reminds me of books I read when I was younger. It was a very enjoyable series. And an excellent addition to the canon of works from Slade’s masterful pen.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
The series begin with Carmen who is about to graduate from the Assassin Guild, who meets the Dragon Brax trapped in a cave. And the Assassin Guild nearly being wiped out. Carmen and Brax make an agreement and both have made oaths. But after travelling all over the lands. In volume 1 we had:
Family
Friends
Assassin School
Betrayal
A Dragon
A deal with said dragon
And more
Volume two continued with:
A reunion with a friend
An adversary turned friend
Aide from a former mentor and teacher
Another betrayal
A dragon to the rescue
The promise of three hands and a claw
Book three was where the plot twists began. Volume for we learned about dragon culture and customs. Volume six has a battle to the death. And Volume seven has a land of wizards, and a sort of reunion. And in this volume, it all comes together. And we return to some of the places from the first volume. And in this volume the twists in the plot completely took me by surprise.
Across the eight volumes we see a lot of action. The story is truly epic in a classic fantasy style. When Carmen goes out alone with Nameless, I was doubtful of the outcome. And when … Well to find out you will need to read the book.
The writing in this book and series is excellent. It is written in such a classic style. It reminds me of books I read when I was younger. It was a very enjoyable series. And an excellent addition to the canon of works from Slade’s masterful pen.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. As well as author profile and interview with Art.
November 1, 2021
4.5 Stars 🌟
This was the culmination of the long story arc that has the entire team working together to try to defeat the evil emperor. There is also the situation with Nameless. Should he be trusted? That is the question isn't it?
I enjoyed this entire series and truly fell in love with the characters. ESPECIALLY Carmen and Brax. I have no idea if this is the end of their tale or if there are new adventures to come, but you can be sure that I will be finding that out.
This was the culmination of the long story arc that has the entire team working together to try to defeat the evil emperor. There is also the situation with Nameless. Should he be trusted? That is the question isn't it?
I enjoyed this entire series and truly fell in love with the characters. ESPECIALLY Carmen and Brax. I have no idea if this is the end of their tale or if there are new adventures to come, but you can be sure that I will be finding that out.
January 7, 2025
I read the three novellas contained in this novel a while ago. I loved the whole Dragon Assassin World. I decided to reread the whole series in these new editions. But I am getting ahead of myself a bit. When I first read these stories back in 2018-2022 and Art had planned to release a shorter story each month for a year, however that did not quite happen. There was however 12 novellas released in this format. Later he rereleased them in Omnibus edition, and then recently I discovered there were only available as novels. The original novellas were:
Twin Fury
Shadow Hunter
Dark Wings
Bitterwaters
Elder Magic
Royal Blood
Hidden Powers
Burning Empire
Old Enemies
Downfall
The Golden Spear
Deathwings
The Novel (omnibus editions break down like this:
Twin Fury
Twin Fury
Shadow Hunter
Dark Wings
Royal Blood
Bitterwaters
Elder Magic
Royal Blood
Burning Empire
Hidden Powers
Burning Empire
Downfall
Old Enemies
Downfall
Deathwings
The Golden Spear
Deathwings
Still later in their evolution Scholastic Canada released some of them in Canada in print format. But back to the volume at hand. The description of this book states:
“First came the woman with the golden spear. Then came Deathwings.
In this ultimate book in the dragon assassin series, the worlds are at war. The wizards, the giants, the dragons and the mortals have a common enemy. Can they come together in time before Deathwings descends? And will Carmen and Brax survive to join the fight?
This book contains the final two episodes in the bestselling series:
11. The Golden Spear - She came out of nowhere. With death in her left hand.
12. Deathwings - Deathwings is coming. The worlds will never be the same.”
The first 3 books make a complete story and are excellent reads. Then the next book make a story and go in a completely different direction. This one begins with a mysterious attack that nearly takes out both Carmen and Braxx. And they soon find out there have been multiple attacks, around the whole world. Half the Kings, Queen’s and rulers on Ellos are taken out before anyone really knows what is going on. A mysterious woman on a silver dragon of unknown species attack with a magical golden spear is the attacker. She has the ability to appear and disappear through red smoke. Her attacks can come from anywhere and he spear returns to her as if on command. Brax is severely wounded, and Carmen is given the quest of finding out who the woman is and ending her. But first her brother, her friend Megan and Thord, he who has a bear’s heart head off after the killer.
Secrets are discovered about Kali, and who is really pulling the strings. And the master plan. In this part of the story Carmen and Brax will need to completely trust her brother.
This series continues to have a lot of action, and a fair number of twists. I thought the last volume topped them all, but Slade has delivered again with this volume. The writing is clean and crisp. The pace is unrelenting. This story is the last planned in the Dragon Assassin Series, but Slade has indicated he has ideas for others stories set in the same universe. I cannot but hope we find out more about the bats of great power, the newfound cooperation on Ellos. And that we again see Dragons, Mages, and Giants working together. It is an excellent story from the masterful and ever entertaining pen of Arthur Slade. A great read in an excellent series!
Twin Fury
Shadow Hunter
Dark Wings
Bitterwaters
Elder Magic
Royal Blood
Hidden Powers
Burning Empire
Old Enemies
Downfall
The Golden Spear
Deathwings
The Novel (omnibus editions break down like this:
Twin Fury
Twin Fury
Shadow Hunter
Dark Wings
Royal Blood
Bitterwaters
Elder Magic
Royal Blood
Burning Empire
Hidden Powers
Burning Empire
Downfall
Old Enemies
Downfall
Deathwings
The Golden Spear
Deathwings
Still later in their evolution Scholastic Canada released some of them in Canada in print format. But back to the volume at hand. The description of this book states:
“First came the woman with the golden spear. Then came Deathwings.
In this ultimate book in the dragon assassin series, the worlds are at war. The wizards, the giants, the dragons and the mortals have a common enemy. Can they come together in time before Deathwings descends? And will Carmen and Brax survive to join the fight?
This book contains the final two episodes in the bestselling series:
11. The Golden Spear - She came out of nowhere. With death in her left hand.
12. Deathwings - Deathwings is coming. The worlds will never be the same.”
The first 3 books make a complete story and are excellent reads. Then the next book make a story and go in a completely different direction. This one begins with a mysterious attack that nearly takes out both Carmen and Braxx. And they soon find out there have been multiple attacks, around the whole world. Half the Kings, Queen’s and rulers on Ellos are taken out before anyone really knows what is going on. A mysterious woman on a silver dragon of unknown species attack with a magical golden spear is the attacker. She has the ability to appear and disappear through red smoke. Her attacks can come from anywhere and he spear returns to her as if on command. Brax is severely wounded, and Carmen is given the quest of finding out who the woman is and ending her. But first her brother, her friend Megan and Thord, he who has a bear’s heart head off after the killer.
Secrets are discovered about Kali, and who is really pulling the strings. And the master plan. In this part of the story Carmen and Brax will need to completely trust her brother.
This series continues to have a lot of action, and a fair number of twists. I thought the last volume topped them all, but Slade has delivered again with this volume. The writing is clean and crisp. The pace is unrelenting. This story is the last planned in the Dragon Assassin Series, but Slade has indicated he has ideas for others stories set in the same universe. I cannot but hope we find out more about the bats of great power, the newfound cooperation on Ellos. And that we again see Dragons, Mages, and Giants working together. It is an excellent story from the masterful and ever entertaining pen of Arthur Slade. A great read in an excellent series!
August 30, 2025
3.5
A great conclusion to this arc.
The ending definitely made it seem as if this would be the end of the series, but luckily we have a few more books.
I was afraid for a moment that Corwin had truly sacrificed his life to revive Brax's sister and that would truly be the end. I am so glad that was not the case because he and Carmen had just finally repaired their bond and finally have a nice sibling relationship.
Though, I do wish there was a bit more emphasis on the fact that Corwin and Nameless are the same person, regardless in the difference of personalities and memories. Granted, we got this when Carmen told Corwin this and he ultimately turned on the emperor. I guess, with her twin brother leaving to find out who he is makes sense since his change in heart came from the loss of memories and he who was before and then having regained his memories; I can see how it would all be confusing and easier to categorize these aspects of himself into Corwin, Nameless and the new him once more as he lives again after his sacrifice. I hope we get to see him again!! Carmen and Corwin gave me all the feels!!
As for Brax. Though he and Carmen stayed in Dracia for a month, I'm surprised, though, it does fit his character, that Brax would want to travel with Carmen. He never really did like politics. I just wish we could have seen him hanging out with and rebonding with his sister after how hard he fought to bring her back. It seems sort of abrupt that after so much struggle he would leave her and his country, but I guess he is simply happy in knowing she is alive and well again. Ahhhh, I just wish these siblings could stay together ajshshksjsjsjsjksms I'm weak for siblings okay.
Lastly, I'm glad to see Thord back. Good to see he is as he always has been.
Anyways, I look forward to see what new adventures await Carmen, Brax and everyone else!
A great conclusion to this arc.
The ending definitely made it seem as if this would be the end of the series, but luckily we have a few more books.
I was afraid for a moment that Corwin had truly sacrificed his life to revive Brax's sister and that would truly be the end. I am so glad that was not the case because he and Carmen had just finally repaired their bond and finally have a nice sibling relationship.
Though, I do wish there was a bit more emphasis on the fact that Corwin and Nameless are the same person, regardless in the difference of personalities and memories. Granted, we got this when Carmen told Corwin this and he ultimately turned on the emperor. I guess, with her twin brother leaving to find out who he is makes sense since his change in heart came from the loss of memories and he who was before and then having regained his memories; I can see how it would all be confusing and easier to categorize these aspects of himself into Corwin, Nameless and the new him once more as he lives again after his sacrifice. I hope we get to see him again!! Carmen and Corwin gave me all the feels!!
As for Brax. Though he and Carmen stayed in Dracia for a month, I'm surprised, though, it does fit his character, that Brax would want to travel with Carmen. He never really did like politics. I just wish we could have seen him hanging out with and rebonding with his sister after how hard he fought to bring her back. It seems sort of abrupt that after so much struggle he would leave her and his country, but I guess he is simply happy in knowing she is alive and well again. Ahhhh, I just wish these siblings could stay together ajshshksjsjsjsjksms I'm weak for siblings okay.
Lastly, I'm glad to see Thord back. Good to see he is as he always has been.
Anyways, I look forward to see what new adventures await Carmen, Brax and everyone else!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
Dragon Assassin 8: Burning Empire
What a roller coaster ride. I think I had my heart in my mouth more times for our heroes in Burning Empire than in any of the other Dragon Assassin books.
The 'magics' they had to fight through and especially Emperor Sargon were formidable, not to mention Nameless turning back into Corwin where I thought for sure Carmen would die.
It is always sad to come to the end of a series but the way Dragon Assassin has closed, maybe the author will revisit one day and continue the tale of Carmen and her erstwhile companion, Brax.
On a person note: I have read reviews stating that this is a series for the young only and not gutsy enough for adults to enjoy. I beg to differ. If you still believe in the wonders of magic and have not closed your mind to the possibility of dragons, faeries and leprechauns (after all, they say there is a smidgen of truth in every work of fiction), you will enjoy this series. I am in my sixties and loved it. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Dragon Assassin 8: Burning Empire as an A.R.C. from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
What a roller coaster ride. I think I had my heart in my mouth more times for our heroes in Burning Empire than in any of the other Dragon Assassin books.
The 'magics' they had to fight through and especially Emperor Sargon were formidable, not to mention Nameless turning back into Corwin where I thought for sure Carmen would die.
It is always sad to come to the end of a series but the way Dragon Assassin has closed, maybe the author will revisit one day and continue the tale of Carmen and her erstwhile companion, Brax.
On a person note: I have read reviews stating that this is a series for the young only and not gutsy enough for adults to enjoy. I beg to differ. If you still believe in the wonders of magic and have not closed your mind to the possibility of dragons, faeries and leprechauns (after all, they say there is a smidgen of truth in every work of fiction), you will enjoy this series. I am in my sixties and loved it. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received Dragon Assassin 8: Burning Empire as an A.R.C. from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
May 18, 2020
Read the whole series
I think this book series is perfect for its intended audience. I think young adult readers would love it very much. Characters are interesting and well defined, but not particularly complex in their struggles or their passions. The biggest obstacles were always, at root, physical. This impacted the pace of these books for me-like skimming over the surface. This made the ending of each book logical-even with well-placed twists-but not always emotionally satisfying. A lot is at stake but nothing is ever lost. Battles are bone crushing and healing is immediate. No one ever limps for long.
I will look forward to the next one, however.
I think this book series is perfect for its intended audience. I think young adult readers would love it very much. Characters are interesting and well defined, but not particularly complex in their struggles or their passions. The biggest obstacles were always, at root, physical. This impacted the pace of these books for me-like skimming over the surface. This made the ending of each book logical-even with well-placed twists-but not always emotionally satisfying. A lot is at stake but nothing is ever lost. Battles are bone crushing and healing is immediate. No one ever limps for long.
I will look forward to the next one, however.
May 17, 2020
Carmen (an Assassin) and Brax (her one eyed dragon) and their friends/allies have certainly have challenges set ahead. Can the battles finally be won? Or will their enemies win? Will they finally save Brax's sister? Brax is his usual sarcastic self, although at times he is a bit more subdued (understandably, and I still love him), and Carmen doesn't give up and she will need that to meet their challenges/dangers. I loved this series and this ending to this part of their journey, I hope to be seeing some spin offs or hearing more tales about this fascinating world.
May 20, 2020
Dragon Assassin 8: Burning Empire by Arthur Slade is a doozy! I hate that it is the last in the series, but what a terrific ending to this exciting story. There have been hints that there could be a 9th book sometime in the future. I'll happily read it as I really enjoy the characters and the action. Very cleverly constructed from Book 1 page 1 to the end.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author and am voluntarily posting an honest review.
March 6, 2022
Burning Empire by Arthur Slade: YA. Secondary-world Adventure Fantasy. Dragons. Assassins. Humour. Friendship. War. Single POV. High stakes. Fight Scenes. Weird body-part magic. Honour. Promises.
How much I liked it: 5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Emotional Ups and Downs: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character Interaction: Average
Animal Characterisation: 4 Stars
Execution: 5 Star
How much I liked it: 5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Emotional Ups and Downs: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character Interaction: Average
Animal Characterisation: 4 Stars
Execution: 5 Star
May 22, 2020
Wow, our young heroes had a long and difficult way to go in a really vicious war. And again and again the doubts is it the old or new Corin. Nevertheless Brax remains my favourite character.
So, go ahead, grab this book and let the magic story give you relaxed reading time.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel. I have voluntarily chosen to leave my review in support of this book.
So, go ahead, grab this book and let the magic story give you relaxed reading time.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel. I have voluntarily chosen to leave my review in support of this book.
May 17, 2020
Interesting how Mr. Slade wraps up this book. There is lots of excitement & it seemed Emperor Sargon could not be killed & Corwin might revert back to his evil self. Does evil win over good? You have to read to find out. I was not disappointed. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
May 17, 2020
This episode of the story is full of
excellent action, some unexpected
plot twists and even a couple of jokes.
Well - written, gripping and exciting,
this tale is an excellent read for lovers
of dragon stories.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
excellent action, some unexpected
plot twists and even a couple of jokes.
Well - written, gripping and exciting,
this tale is an excellent read for lovers
of dragon stories.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
November 19, 2022
Sometimes I am disappointed reading war scenes and battles because they do not live up to expectations. They go too fast or are too easy. This book delivered a war and battles not easily won and I am appreciative of the hardships the characters had to face.
December 26, 2025
wonderful read
I'm not good at putting things in writing I can only say I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down reading in bed sometimes till the early hours of the morning so I wish anyone who reads this book as much enjoyment as i did k seeds
I'm not good at putting things in writing I can only say I really enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down reading in bed sometimes till the early hours of the morning so I wish anyone who reads this book as much enjoyment as i did k seeds
May 26, 2020
Fun read
Enjoyed this book immensely, the story went smoothly but full of excitement. I am looking forward to the next book in thesis series.
Enjoyed this book immensely, the story went smoothly but full of excitement. I am looking forward to the next book in thesis series.
August 2, 2020
Excellent Reading.
The whole series where excellent reading. They when from one situation to another. The finish you will have to read to get it. ENJOY!!
The whole series where excellent reading. They when from one situation to another. The finish you will have to read to get it. ENJOY!!
May 18, 2024
did not enjoy this one as much. It wandered....
February 5, 2025
Great read in series !!
This series took me in, I became part of it. Read the whole series in a few days. I always hate to finish a series where I'm able to become part of it .
This series took me in, I became part of it. Read the whole series in a few days. I always hate to finish a series where I'm able to become part of it .
June 20, 2024
This ripped my heart out. I loved it
April 27, 2022
I've waited a long time for the conclusion to this series which I have very much enjoyed because I love books involving dragons. This is a very good conclusion, too. Carmen & Brax have a surprise person & dragon that cause them extreme difficulties. One of Carmen's friends dies & the surprise person turns out to really have a vendetta against Carmen. Carmen learns about forgiveness also. I am glad I now have the WHOLE story. I can go back to the beginning & read it through to the end at one time. I received a free copy. This is my voluntary opinion.
November 16, 2022
Excellent & entertaining
The entire series is excellent. Thoughtfully shared adventures showing how sticking with one's moral compass, being merciful, and willing to act for the greater good of all can change a world for the better.
The entire series is excellent. Thoughtfully shared adventures showing how sticking with one's moral compass, being merciful, and willing to act for the greater good of all can change a world for the better.
September 13, 2023
Love this series!
I got hooked by book 1. Through ups, downs, laughter and teary eyes, this series is wonderful. Brax's wit, Carmen's cautious nature, even Corwin. My heart aches for Thord, for he was one I would have loved to meet in real life.
I got hooked by book 1. Through ups, downs, laughter and teary eyes, this series is wonderful. Brax's wit, Carmen's cautious nature, even Corwin. My heart aches for Thord, for he was one I would have loved to meet in real life.
October 13, 2022
I hope the world finds this series. It has brought me much joy! Great writing and great stories!
November 6, 2022
Very good
This story has a lot often twists and turns. The more you keep reading the surprises you end up with.
This story has a lot often twists and turns. The more you keep reading the surprises you end up with.
February 13, 2023
Well, I'm done, but is it really over? Or do Carmen and Brax have something else coming down the pike? I hope so! Someone's gotta feed my snark cravings.
November 25, 2023
A wonderful series
This was a simply amazing book and I enjoyed it very very much
A wonderful series of books to enjoy
This was a simply amazing book and I enjoyed it very very much
A wonderful series of books to enjoy
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews