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The Dragons of Serai #1
The Dragon King's Assassin
My life changed the day I tried to take his.
Mhavenna is a glorious city but, like every city on the face of Serai, it's run by Dragons. As a human, I'm on the lowest rung of the racial ladder here, as far from an illustrious Dragon as I could be, and I've made me peace with that. I don't like Dragons much, but like or dislike has nothing to do with my work. So when my broker offered me the task of killing the Dragon King, I took it. It was the sort of kill that could make an assassin's career, and I was certain that I had the skills for it.
I was wrong, nearly dead wrong.
The King caught me before I could finish the job, but instead of killing me, he made me his. I'm now the Dragon King's assassin. A warning and a weapon. A way for him to bypass his own laws without personally breaking them. But that's not all. He's tasked me with guarding him against future attacks. Who better to stop an assassin than another assassin? And who better to find the one who hired us? If only the King didn't have a body that made me salivate, a face that made my knees weak, and a pair of teal eyes that made me whimper. If only he didn't stare at me with those stunning eyes as if I could be more than property to him. Maybe then I could do my job, find the person who wants him dead, and save my own life. But I don't believe in miracles.
Mhavenna is a glorious city but, like every city on the face of Serai, it's run by Dragons. As a human, I'm on the lowest rung of the racial ladder here, as far from an illustrious Dragon as I could be, and I've made me peace with that. I don't like Dragons much, but like or dislike has nothing to do with my work. So when my broker offered me the task of killing the Dragon King, I took it. It was the sort of kill that could make an assassin's career, and I was certain that I had the skills for it.
I was wrong, nearly dead wrong.
The King caught me before I could finish the job, but instead of killing me, he made me his. I'm now the Dragon King's assassin. A warning and a weapon. A way for him to bypass his own laws without personally breaking them. But that's not all. He's tasked me with guarding him against future attacks. Who better to stop an assassin than another assassin? And who better to find the one who hired us? If only the King didn't have a body that made me salivate, a face that made my knees weak, and a pair of teal eyes that made me whimper. If only he didn't stare at me with those stunning eyes as if I could be more than property to him. Maybe then I could do my job, find the person who wants him dead, and save my own life. But I don't believe in miracles.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2022
360 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sumida
284 books980 followersAmy Sumida is the Internationally Acclaimed author of the Award-Winning Godhunter Series, the fantasy paranormal Twilight Court Series, the Beyond the Godhunter Series, the music-oriented paranormal Spellsinger Series, the superhero Spectra Series, and several short stories. Her books have been translated into several languages, have won numerous awards, and are bestsellers. She believes in empowering women through her writing as well as providing everyone with a great escape from reality. Her stories are full of strong women and hot gods, shapeshifters, vampires, dragons, fairies, gargoyles... pretty much any type of supernatural, breathtakingly gorgeous man you can think of. Because why have normal when you could have paranormal?
Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
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The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
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Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
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Born and raised in Hawaii, Amy made a perilous journey across the ocean with six cats to settle in the beautiful state of Oregon which reminds her a lot of Hawaii but without the cockroaches or evil sand. When she isn't trying to type fast enough to get down everything the voices in her head are saying while her kitties try to sabotage her with cuteness, she enjoys painting on canvases, walls, and anything else that will sit still long enough for the paint to dry. She prefers antiques to modern furniture, tea to coffee, night to day, and Tom Hardy to Tom Hiddleston. No; Tom Hiddleston to Tom Hardy. No, wait... Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston to Tom Cruise. Yes, that's it.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter and get a free short story:
http://google.us11.list-manage.com/su...
The first books in her Godhunter and Twilight Court Series are free!
Join the God Squad on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmySumidaAut...
Dive further into the worlds of the Godhunter and the Twilight Court on Amy's website: https://amysumida.com
Amy's Imaginary Worlds, a Facebook group where you can discuss all of her books:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/15360...
Check out the new Godhunter Store on Cafe Press, with all kinds of items featuring quotes and art from The Godhunter Series:
http://www.cafepress.com/godhunter
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June 26, 2023I dont know what everyone else was reading, but I guess I'm in the minority. I'm not going to rate this because I only made it to page 154 before giving up. I guess I'm in a book funk because I can't seem to find anything worth reading. This book might be great later on, but honestly, I don't care for Lock. In five seconds of meeting the king, he's wipped like a puppy. What kind of assain is he, I guess I expected him to be a little more badass considering what he does for a living and how cocky he is. I mean besides the fact he literally says "fuck the dragons" in chapter one and then is literally testing the kings food so he isn't poisoned the morning after just meeting him. Ugggg and the all the insta love (lust) from Lock is just so jarring. Lock has supposedly watched him for a long time and seen him fuck, but all the sudden while getting choked by the king he's developed insta lust, how does that compute.
January 1, 2023
The good
+ Lock taking his role seriously
+ Lock's willingness to sacrifice himself for the king
+ Lock's pirate friends. I liked them all
+ Taroc defending Lock and giving him lots of privileges
+ Lock refusing to take Taroc's shit and calling him out on it
+ Ren
+ Ren being allowed to eat at the table
The neutral
o The happened the first time Lock and Taroc slept together. Yet, . How was that possible?
The bad
- The fantasy kingdom had all kinds of species, yet only two genders. Lock even remarked that the upscale pleasure house offered a selection of all races and both genders. This is not even true for humans, and it's disappointing it was apparently not the case either in non-human species
- Taroc kept messing up again and again, but he never groveled. He made mistake after mistake, made some half-assed apology and got away with it. The mistake he made in the end, the biggest of them all, was forgiven without an apology altogether. I am not convinced the MCs were ready to take their relationship to the next level with their atrocious level of communication and trust
- The king had all these ideas to make the kingdom a better place for everyone, but in the end they just kind of concluded that those who didn't want to be helped, couldn't be helped. Wtf? That's a pathetic excuse not to do anything, especially when the image he was projecting to those who "didn't want to be helped" was one of a pompous rich asshole
- Taroc was apparently a good king and all, yet apparently in his kingdom, whippings were still used as punishment. What the actual fuck
- Lock was this super professional assassin who was really proficient in the art of observation and deduction. Yet he didn't realize who the bad guy was, after like a million hints had already been dropped
I really liked Lock. He had a backbone and didn't let Taroc or his status intimidate him. I didn't like Taroc, and felt like he had a lot more groveling and self-reflection to do before he was worthy of Lock. All things considered, this book was about equally frustrating as it was entertaining.
+ Lock taking his role seriously
+ Lock's willingness to sacrifice himself for the king
+ Lock's pirate friends. I liked them all
+ Taroc defending Lock and giving him lots of privileges
+ Lock refusing to take Taroc's shit and calling him out on it
+ Ren
+ Ren being allowed to eat at the table
The neutral
o The happened the first time Lock and Taroc slept together. Yet, . How was that possible?
The bad
- The fantasy kingdom had all kinds of species, yet only two genders. Lock even remarked that the upscale pleasure house offered a selection of all races and both genders. This is not even true for humans, and it's disappointing it was apparently not the case either in non-human species
- Taroc kept messing up again and again, but he never groveled. He made mistake after mistake, made some half-assed apology and got away with it. The mistake he made in the end, the biggest of them all, was forgiven without an apology altogether. I am not convinced the MCs were ready to take their relationship to the next level with their atrocious level of communication and trust
- The king had all these ideas to make the kingdom a better place for everyone, but in the end they just kind of concluded that those who didn't want to be helped, couldn't be helped. Wtf? That's a pathetic excuse not to do anything, especially when the image he was projecting to those who "didn't want to be helped" was one of a pompous rich asshole
- Taroc was apparently a good king and all, yet apparently in his kingdom, whippings were still used as punishment. What the actual fuck
- Lock was this super professional assassin who was really proficient in the art of observation and deduction. Yet he didn't realize who the bad guy was, after like a million hints had already been dropped
I really liked Lock. He had a backbone and didn't let Taroc or his status intimidate him. I didn't like Taroc, and felt like he had a lot more groveling and self-reflection to do before he was worthy of Lock. All things considered, this book was about equally frustrating as it was entertaining.
January 18, 2023
Inexplicably, the author made each scene its own chapter, ruining flow and jarring this reader to the point where I seriously considered bailing several times. Did she stop doing that in the next books? I'll never know. I don't care. If I could, I'd have edited out at least a third of the chapter breaks to make scene breaks instead.
But that's just the most glaring error. The worst one is that sorriest of tropes, the failure to see the glaringly obvious because *reasons*. The volatility of the two MCs was good, but a bit uneven, and used as conflict rather than letting either of them act like adults. One's an immortal. Or, he's supposed to be.
Anyway.
Most of the sex scenes were good, in keeping with the plot and character arcs. But the last one was too precious, and kind of weird. I got the impression the author wasn't sure how to end the thing.
The upshot is, I spent four dollars and didn't hate it, which earned it the average rating.
But that's just the most glaring error. The worst one is that sorriest of tropes, the failure to see the glaringly obvious because *reasons*. The volatility of the two MCs was good, but a bit uneven, and used as conflict rather than letting either of them act like adults. One's an immortal. Or, he's supposed to be.
Anyway.
Most of the sex scenes were good, in keeping with the plot and character arcs. But the last one was too precious, and kind of weird. I got the impression the author wasn't sure how to end the thing.
The upshot is, I spent four dollars and didn't hate it, which earned it the average rating.
August 13, 2023
This book was ridiculous. But not in a bad way. Not in a "it's meant to be comedy" way, either. I can't really explain it. The plot drew me in, the characters were amusing, the world interesting. Could the whole thing have benefited from better proofreading/editing? Yes. I don't even think I'm being nitpicky about that. But even the bits that dragged me out of the story weren't so bad in the long run. Glad I gave this book a chance and will definitely be looking into the next book.
December 31, 2022
This was unexpectedly very good. I didn't see it coming when I started the book and now I'm glad that it is a series so I can jump right to the next one.
It was a very blunt language but that was charming. I should have counted the f*cks in that book and I think it was mir than I have ever given in my entire life 😂 blunt but funny and very charming.
It was a very blunt language but that was charming. I should have counted the f*cks in that book and I think it was mir than I have ever given in my entire life 😂 blunt but funny and very charming.
August 2, 2022
story told very well
Amy Sumida tends to have a couple of issues, with exposition and replacing plot with world building. None of those are on display with this particular book. Instead it’s a well written book that kept me enthralled as I read, with MC’s who are believable, engaging and have excellent chemistry with one another. I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who wants a lower angst fantasy with enough light heartedness and twists to it to make you engaged.
Amy Sumida tends to have a couple of issues, with exposition and replacing plot with world building. None of those are on display with this particular book. Instead it’s a well written book that kept me enthralled as I read, with MC’s who are believable, engaging and have excellent chemistry with one another. I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who wants a lower angst fantasy with enough light heartedness and twists to it to make you engaged.
August 17, 2022
Marvelous mm fantasy romance
The world building behind this book is terrific and the imagination that has been written into it is spellbinding. There are two main story lines in this book. One is who is trying to kill the dragon king and why and the other is the romance behind said king and the human assassin who was sent to kill him. The two stories are woven together and the resulting tale is an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended.
The world building behind this book is terrific and the imagination that has been written into it is spellbinding. There are two main story lines in this book. One is who is trying to kill the dragon king and why and the other is the romance behind said king and the human assassin who was sent to kill him. The two stories are woven together and the resulting tale is an absolute joy to read. Highly recommended.
October 9, 2022
the fast paced action, terrific characters, magical storylines
Rating: 4🌈
Amy Sumida is a new author for me. My introduction to her writing is the first book in her series, The Dragons of Serai. I found many things here to recommend and some aspects that are just a bit much.
Sumida gives us a world where dragons are the apex being and humanity is among the lowest. Magic is taken for granted and the form of government among the various kingdoms is the Dragon Kings, a title hard fought for in a tournament.
The first story begins in the Kingdom of Racul where assassin Locrian Mahvis has been hired to kill dragon King Tarocvar Verres.
The characters and descriptions are lush and well defined. You can picture each immediately. Loch the King is all self assured power and amusement.
Everything the failed assassin is not. Except that he’s incredibly attracted to the King.
Instant lust , not love, but lust, is understandable here. The author makes a good case for Locrian’s feelings.
But this is the first instance in the book where the author’s leaning towards a certain type of purple prose starts to appear.
“Speaking of thrusting, that piece of man-flesh between those thighs would fill me as I'd never been filled before.”
— The Dragon King's Assassin: An MM Fantasy Romance (The Dragons of Serai Book 1) by Amy Sumida
Shouldn’t that be dragon flesh? And why do those florid statements make me want to giggle instead of sigh?
There will be other instances where “he painted me with his hot desire.” So you see a pattern here.
Luckily, the fast paced action, terrific characters, magical storylines, and charisma between the leads overcome the tendency towards purple prose. Or maybe just make you accept that’s the world where that’s a statement would flourish!
I almost wish this had been a two being pov because I’d love to have had the King’s perspective on his “little mouse” throughout the relationship as it built. As it is, we only get Locrian’s and I think by not including the Dragon it lessens the impact.
There’s a great guardian hound, Ran. A group of pirates, and a setup for the next novel with a Necromancer sailing to help out a friend of the King, another Royal Dragon.
I found this and the couple entertaining so I’m onto the next. Honestly, it’s Dragons. I find them hard to resist.
I’m recommending it!
The Dragons of Serai series:
- [x] The Dragon King's Assassin #1
- [ ] The Dragon Prince's Necromancer #2
Rating: 4🌈
Amy Sumida is a new author for me. My introduction to her writing is the first book in her series, The Dragons of Serai. I found many things here to recommend and some aspects that are just a bit much.
Sumida gives us a world where dragons are the apex being and humanity is among the lowest. Magic is taken for granted and the form of government among the various kingdoms is the Dragon Kings, a title hard fought for in a tournament.
The first story begins in the Kingdom of Racul where assassin Locrian Mahvis has been hired to kill dragon King Tarocvar Verres.
The characters and descriptions are lush and well defined. You can picture each immediately. Loch the King is all self assured power and amusement.
Everything the failed assassin is not. Except that he’s incredibly attracted to the King.
Instant lust , not love, but lust, is understandable here. The author makes a good case for Locrian’s feelings.
But this is the first instance in the book where the author’s leaning towards a certain type of purple prose starts to appear.
“Speaking of thrusting, that piece of man-flesh between those thighs would fill me as I'd never been filled before.”
— The Dragon King's Assassin: An MM Fantasy Romance (The Dragons of Serai Book 1) by Amy Sumida
Shouldn’t that be dragon flesh? And why do those florid statements make me want to giggle instead of sigh?
There will be other instances where “he painted me with his hot desire.” So you see a pattern here.
Luckily, the fast paced action, terrific characters, magical storylines, and charisma between the leads overcome the tendency towards purple prose. Or maybe just make you accept that’s the world where that’s a statement would flourish!
I almost wish this had been a two being pov because I’d love to have had the King’s perspective on his “little mouse” throughout the relationship as it built. As it is, we only get Locrian’s and I think by not including the Dragon it lessens the impact.
There’s a great guardian hound, Ran. A group of pirates, and a setup for the next novel with a Necromancer sailing to help out a friend of the King, another Royal Dragon.
I found this and the couple entertaining so I’m onto the next. Honestly, it’s Dragons. I find them hard to resist.
I’m recommending it!
The Dragons of Serai series:
- [x] The Dragon King's Assassin #1
- [ ] The Dragon Prince's Necromancer #2
November 9, 2023
BUENÍSIMO
January 25, 2026
6 stars! I’m about to stalk Amy’s WHOLE life. By stalk I mean read everything she has ever written.
November 22, 2022
This one split the crowd in the reviews and I think I see why.
First of all the adventure portion of the story is engrossing and a page turner.
The main protagonist is likeable and interesting while also a little cliche, and ticking off a lot of edgy rogue tropes. He's the bread and butter of the edgy rogue with a tragic street urchin past. But it works. Why mess with a formula that ain't broken?
It's the king himself that I have a beef with. I felt he was just... flat. He brought nothing of value to the story. He was just... there doing raging shifter things while being the good misunderstood caring noble.
The world is also rich in some spots but really lacking descriptions in others. I still have no idea what most of the races are. I felt like the author forgot that we're not privy to the headcannon so there's frequent feelings of abruptness.
Overall I'd liken this one to rushed sex. Sure it feels nice in the end, but it'd be better with some foreplay.
First of all the adventure portion of the story is engrossing and a page turner.
The main protagonist is likeable and interesting while also a little cliche, and ticking off a lot of edgy rogue tropes. He's the bread and butter of the edgy rogue with a tragic street urchin past. But it works. Why mess with a formula that ain't broken?
It's the king himself that I have a beef with. I felt he was just... flat. He brought nothing of value to the story. He was just... there doing raging shifter things while being the good misunderstood caring noble.
The world is also rich in some spots but really lacking descriptions in others. I still have no idea what most of the races are. I felt like the author forgot that we're not privy to the headcannon so there's frequent feelings of abruptness.
Overall I'd liken this one to rushed sex. Sure it feels nice in the end, but it'd be better with some foreplay.
October 3, 2022
The sassy, mouthy Lock is the perfect match for his Dragon King. Tarec comes across as a bit of an arrogant ass at first, but as the story progresses, his vulnerable side is shown. He doesn't quite know how to handle his born on the wrong side of town, mate. Controlling him doesn't work. And it's terribly hard to earn his trust.
Lovely to watch as the two fumble together, exchanging snark. Having hot sexy times. Fun. Engaging. And Ren is super sweet.
Lovely to watch as the two fumble together, exchanging snark. Having hot sexy times. Fun. Engaging. And Ren is super sweet.
July 11, 2022
Great Start to Series
I really enjoyed this story. The storyline, plot, twists, and turns kept me pulled in. I liked seeing the MCs relationship develop and grow. I easily identified the villain in the story but I was still invested in the romance. I actually would like more of these two MCs.
I really enjoyed this story. The storyline, plot, twists, and turns kept me pulled in. I liked seeing the MCs relationship develop and grow. I easily identified the villain in the story but I was still invested in the romance. I actually would like more of these two MCs.
August 13, 2025
Loved it
I loved this so much. Lock was adorable (as adorable as any assassin can be). The racy scenes were hot. The plot and world building was very interesting. I can't wait for the next book.
I loved this so much. Lock was adorable (as adorable as any assassin can be). The racy scenes were hot. The plot and world building was very interesting. I can't wait for the next book.
November 26, 2023
i did finished it, and i did enjoyed some parts of this, hence the two stars. shame too, the premise sounded like something up my alley but it just isn't
edit: i just found out that this author CHURNS her books out like no tomorrow, this series alone has 11 books already, and it only started last year?! honestly, and not to be harsh, that explains the quality.
spoilers ahead!
starting with what i did like:
- the world building is actually pretty sound, the fantasy world actually has fantasy races and elements in it.
- the type of language used is very easy to read through.
and then my gripes, which mostly boils down to my personal preferences now that i write them down:
- the pretty decent world is pushed aside in order to favor... the romance... i know what i signed up for but i'll get more into this later.
- the language is easy, yes, but - and this is very much my own opinion - i feel like for a fantasy world like this, the characters should speak like... they are fantasy characters. if one were to take out the fantasy elements these are just people from our world. that bothers me and made it to where i couldn't get immersed in the story.
- there are some cool races and then there's that god damn typical ass dragons again, where they are just essentially shifters and it's SO boring, where are my cool reptilian people with their snouts, scales and tails?
- the romance between lock and taroc. bad. zero chemistry. and that's a problem because the author isn't portraying them as a toxic pair, but you want me to believe that these two are truly in love? ugh please spare me what did i do wrong, taroc is so immensely unlikable. oh and also of course bonded mates are a thing ugh i literally facepalmed.
- lock. he fucked the king... and then served him... and then wants to stand by his beliefs??? it's so silly and childish almost. "i won't fuck or love you unless you treat me with respect" but the relationship never started on even grounds, which is OKAY, that kind of story exists too, and i like that, but it just doesn't work in here, at all.
- lock again. i actually want to like him and he CAN be likable... if he exists in a story that isn't this one. i was SO rooting for their break up (that lasted 2 chapters?) to stick, maybe lock realizes that being a noble isn't for him and he takes up teng's offer to go sail the seas and start a new life. but no because this is romantasy, he becomes immortal and gets stuck to taroc forever. that's not a blessing for a man like him? it's a curse??? what an awful fate for him, so much so that i literally cannot see this as a HEA.
- the snooziest climax to the 'problem' that has been brewing since page one. like "wait it's over? just like that? by the power of love and cum?"
- I HATE FATED MATES AS A TROPE and this book makes it worse by making it a shoehorned thing at the end of it. yikers.
perhaps i went in with a very different expectations than what the author actually wants to present. i understand that romance comes first, but when the romance is so bad i was rooting for them to be separated, then there's an issue.
the world sounds SO cool and if we shifted the scales just a bit, turning it from a romantasy into fantasy-with-romance and lean towards worldbuilding that'd be perfect! but as it is in its state... unfortunately it's not for me.
romantasy is such a blight in modern books honestly... sigh.
2/5, will mate through magic dragon cum again.
edit: i just found out that this author CHURNS her books out like no tomorrow, this series alone has 11 books already, and it only started last year?! honestly, and not to be harsh, that explains the quality.
spoilers ahead!
starting with what i did like:
- the world building is actually pretty sound, the fantasy world actually has fantasy races and elements in it.
- the type of language used is very easy to read through.
and then my gripes, which mostly boils down to my personal preferences now that i write them down:
- the pretty decent world is pushed aside in order to favor... the romance... i know what i signed up for but i'll get more into this later.
- the language is easy, yes, but - and this is very much my own opinion - i feel like for a fantasy world like this, the characters should speak like... they are fantasy characters. if one were to take out the fantasy elements these are just people from our world. that bothers me and made it to where i couldn't get immersed in the story.
- there are some cool races and then there's that god damn typical ass dragons again, where they are just essentially shifters and it's SO boring, where are my cool reptilian people with their snouts, scales and tails?
- the romance between lock and taroc. bad. zero chemistry. and that's a problem because the author isn't portraying them as a toxic pair, but you want me to believe that these two are truly in love? ugh please spare me what did i do wrong, taroc is so immensely unlikable. oh and also of course bonded mates are a thing ugh i literally facepalmed.
- lock. he fucked the king... and then served him... and then wants to stand by his beliefs??? it's so silly and childish almost. "i won't fuck or love you unless you treat me with respect" but the relationship never started on even grounds, which is OKAY, that kind of story exists too, and i like that, but it just doesn't work in here, at all.
- lock again. i actually want to like him and he CAN be likable... if he exists in a story that isn't this one. i was SO rooting for their break up (that lasted 2 chapters?) to stick, maybe lock realizes that being a noble isn't for him and he takes up teng's offer to go sail the seas and start a new life. but no because this is romantasy, he becomes immortal and gets stuck to taroc forever. that's not a blessing for a man like him? it's a curse??? what an awful fate for him, so much so that i literally cannot see this as a HEA.
- the snooziest climax to the 'problem' that has been brewing since page one. like "wait it's over? just like that? by the power of love and cum?"
- I HATE FATED MATES AS A TROPE and this book makes it worse by making it a shoehorned thing at the end of it. yikers.
perhaps i went in with a very different expectations than what the author actually wants to present. i understand that romance comes first, but when the romance is so bad i was rooting for them to be separated, then there's an issue.
the world sounds SO cool and if we shifted the scales just a bit, turning it from a romantasy into fantasy-with-romance and lean towards worldbuilding that'd be perfect! but as it is in its state... unfortunately it's not for me.
romantasy is such a blight in modern books honestly... sigh.
2/5, will mate through magic dragon cum again.
October 7, 2022
My life changed the day I tried to take his.
Mhavenna is a glorious city but, like every city on the face of Serai, it's run by Dragons. As a human, I'm on the lowest rung of the racial ladder here, as far from an illustrious Dragon as I could be, and I've made me peace with that. I don't like Dragons much, but like or dislike has nothing to do with my work. So when my broker offered me the task of killing the Dragon King, I took it. It was the sort of kill that could make an assassin's career, and I was certain that I had the skills for it.
I was wrong, nearly dead wrong.
The King caught me before I could finish the job, but instead of killing me, he made me his. I'm now the Dragon King's assassin. A warning and a weapon. A way for him to bypass his own laws without personally breaking them. But that's not all. He's tasked me with guarding him against future attacks. Who better to stop an assassin than another assassin? And who better to find the one who hired us? If only the King didn't have a body that made me salivate, a face that made my knees weak, and a pair of teal eyes that made me whimper. If only he didn't stare at me with those stunning eyes as if I could be more than property to him. Maybe then I could do my job, find the person who wants him dead, and save my own life. But I don't believe in miracles.
Heather's Notes
So for the most part I liked this book. I liked Lock (a lot) and Tarroc was also ok. I figured out the bad guy way before them. I can't believe they were so obviously of some points but they were not trained investigators. My main problem was how drawn out the ending was. It just kept going and going. It really destroyed the flow of the book. Still overall a good story and I will read the next one.
Mhavenna is a glorious city but, like every city on the face of Serai, it's run by Dragons. As a human, I'm on the lowest rung of the racial ladder here, as far from an illustrious Dragon as I could be, and I've made me peace with that. I don't like Dragons much, but like or dislike has nothing to do with my work. So when my broker offered me the task of killing the Dragon King, I took it. It was the sort of kill that could make an assassin's career, and I was certain that I had the skills for it.
I was wrong, nearly dead wrong.
The King caught me before I could finish the job, but instead of killing me, he made me his. I'm now the Dragon King's assassin. A warning and a weapon. A way for him to bypass his own laws without personally breaking them. But that's not all. He's tasked me with guarding him against future attacks. Who better to stop an assassin than another assassin? And who better to find the one who hired us? If only the King didn't have a body that made me salivate, a face that made my knees weak, and a pair of teal eyes that made me whimper. If only he didn't stare at me with those stunning eyes as if I could be more than property to him. Maybe then I could do my job, find the person who wants him dead, and save my own life. But I don't believe in miracles.
Heather's Notes
So for the most part I liked this book. I liked Lock (a lot) and Tarroc was also ok. I figured out the bad guy way before them. I can't believe they were so obviously of some points but they were not trained investigators. My main problem was how drawn out the ending was. It just kept going and going. It really destroyed the flow of the book. Still overall a good story and I will read the next one.
May 18, 2023
so amazing I had so much fun reading that book it was so good it kept me engaged the whole time. I absolutely loved the world building all of the different mythical creatures that existed in this book in that were so new to me. It was so freaking fun I loved the dynamic between the king and Locke, like it was so good. The development of the story was so good it honestly their romance took a turn. I was not expecting like I did not expect that and then a huge plot twist at the end and oh my God the person. Oh my God the bad guy when I found out who it was, I knew it like I just knew it and then I like doubted myself and then when it was revealed, I was like oh my freaking goodness I knew it and literally this book had me laughing out loud like I could not stop reading it. I love the characters and I’m so excited to read the next book like just because I’m hoping it’s just as good as this one like oh my goodness this is definitely gonna be one of my favorite books because it was really good like it’s so hard to find a good fantasy romance in this really did it good they did it good that was so fun like I highly recommend it. It was so freaking fun. also, at the end, I’m not even gonna lie. I totally teared up like it was just so beautiful to me like it really was I freaking oh my goodness. I literally the only thing I can say is oh my goodness that’s what happens when I read a really good book my vocabulary becomes stunted. Just please read it. It’s so fun.
July 15, 2025
The Dragon King’s Assassin by Amy Sumida
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Okay, wow. This book? A total surprise gem. I picked it up on a whim — didn’t even read the blurb, just jumped straight in — and I’m so glad I did. Sometimes blind dates with books go terribly wrong… this one was a perfect match.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The story just pulls you in. A human male assassin in a dragon-ruled world, sent to kill the Dragon King — and then getting caught and made his assassin instead? Yes, please. The premise was already a win, but the execution made it even better. It’s fast-paced, tense, and full of that delicious push-and-pull dynamic I live for.
I loved the world building — gritty, magical, layered — and the writing had this natural flow that made it so easy to get lost in. And while there were a few moments in the middle that didn’t totally hit for me (nothing major, just some scenes that felt a little off), it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.
And let’s not even talk about the Dragon King himself because… whew. The tension? The chemistry?? The looks, the growls, the whole “you tried to kill me but now you’re mine” vibe? Perfect chaos. I was here for all of it.
Final thoughts:
If you’re into fantasy with a sharp, snarky male lead, deadly politics, morally grey choices, and a sizzling slow-burn enemies-to-something-more situation — The Dragon King’s Assassin is absolutely worth your time. No regrets, no skips. Just one hell of a fun read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Okay, wow. This book? A total surprise gem. I picked it up on a whim — didn’t even read the blurb, just jumped straight in — and I’m so glad I did. Sometimes blind dates with books go terribly wrong… this one was a perfect match.
From the very first page, I was hooked. The story just pulls you in. A human male assassin in a dragon-ruled world, sent to kill the Dragon King — and then getting caught and made his assassin instead? Yes, please. The premise was already a win, but the execution made it even better. It’s fast-paced, tense, and full of that delicious push-and-pull dynamic I live for.
I loved the world building — gritty, magical, layered — and the writing had this natural flow that made it so easy to get lost in. And while there were a few moments in the middle that didn’t totally hit for me (nothing major, just some scenes that felt a little off), it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.
And let’s not even talk about the Dragon King himself because… whew. The tension? The chemistry?? The looks, the growls, the whole “you tried to kill me but now you’re mine” vibe? Perfect chaos. I was here for all of it.
Final thoughts:
If you’re into fantasy with a sharp, snarky male lead, deadly politics, morally grey choices, and a sizzling slow-burn enemies-to-something-more situation — The Dragon King’s Assassin is absolutely worth your time. No regrets, no skips. Just one hell of a fun read.
May 27, 2025
I’m very glad that I ultimately ignored reviews in order to give this book a chance.
Is this book the best I’ve ever read? No. Did I think there should have been more world building and explanations for things? Yes, but that’s because I’m someone who absolutely loves world building and heavy descriptions. It’s helps me get more immersed into a world. But, I still enjoyed this book.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say that if you are someone who really gets into the worlds of books, then you will have a roller coaster of emotions. I went from intrigued, to annoyed, to absolutely stunned, to excited, and so on. I won’t lie, you will get very annoyed with the main characters, but I beg you… keep going.
Like I said, I’m so glad that I gave this book a chance. I was even talking about it with my friend/coworker at work during my break. I got so excited while reading and getting closer to figuring out the true villain that I just had to.
Reading the reviews after… yeah just like I did before I started reading this, I’m going to ignore the reviews and read the rest of the series. Especially since this leads right into the next one. I’m a big fan of book series that are actually related and not stand-alones set in the same world.
Is this book the best I’ve ever read? No. Did I think there should have been more world building and explanations for things? Yes, but that’s because I’m someone who absolutely loves world building and heavy descriptions. It’s helps me get more immersed into a world. But, I still enjoyed this book.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say that if you are someone who really gets into the worlds of books, then you will have a roller coaster of emotions. I went from intrigued, to annoyed, to absolutely stunned, to excited, and so on. I won’t lie, you will get very annoyed with the main characters, but I beg you… keep going.
Like I said, I’m so glad that I gave this book a chance. I was even talking about it with my friend/coworker at work during my break. I got so excited while reading and getting closer to figuring out the true villain that I just had to.
Reading the reviews after… yeah just like I did before I started reading this, I’m going to ignore the reviews and read the rest of the series. Especially since this leads right into the next one. I’m a big fan of book series that are actually related and not stand-alones set in the same world.
December 29, 2022
4.5* Enjoyable but lacked intensity and heat
First time reading Amy Sumida, will definitely be returning for more!
This is one of the better written fantasy MM out there.
Our MC is really fun and probably the only MC I haven't had the urge to smack up the head! He was resourceful, snarky, witty and reasonable.
I guess that's the word that sums up this entire book. This book is just so reasonable. There's absolutely no scope for angst. Whatever conflict comes up, it is resolved easily yet it doesn't feel like we're cruising through the book, its still the immersive experience at its nearly 7 hr reading time.
It has layers of intrigue, decent world building. Sort of adventurous but again it has no intensity.
The lack of intensity can be seen in the plot, in the relationship between the couple and even in our villain.
For me it was a nearly perfect read, lacking only in the heat of the drama and that magnetism I expect from a mating bonds and fantasy romance plot.
Go for it if you like a nice cozy outing with logical characters mixed in with some mystery thrills, sweet romance and no angst.
First time reading Amy Sumida, will definitely be returning for more!
This is one of the better written fantasy MM out there.
Our MC is really fun and probably the only MC I haven't had the urge to smack up the head! He was resourceful, snarky, witty and reasonable.
I guess that's the word that sums up this entire book. This book is just so reasonable. There's absolutely no scope for angst. Whatever conflict comes up, it is resolved easily yet it doesn't feel like we're cruising through the book, its still the immersive experience at its nearly 7 hr reading time.
It has layers of intrigue, decent world building. Sort of adventurous but again it has no intensity.
The lack of intensity can be seen in the plot, in the relationship between the couple and even in our villain.
For me it was a nearly perfect read, lacking only in the heat of the drama and that magnetism I expect from a mating bonds and fantasy romance plot.
Go for it if you like a nice cozy outing with logical characters mixed in with some mystery thrills, sweet romance and no angst.
October 12, 2023
An Honest Assassin - And That Is A Very Good Thing
So, I was surprised and …surprised when this became very evident.
The twist got me. That is all I’m going to say about that.
All that honestly mixed in with the mystery of the assassin kept the drama coming. I shouted the answer and then the author made me think I was wrong. What??!!!
I had fun, I gasped with the king at times. Oh, speaking the king, he was written interestingly. I didn’t realize what was a little “off” about him until well past the halfway point of the book. And I should have realized it far sooner. But I think it helped me like the book as much as I did, and as you can see, I liked it a lot.
I saw how the author spliced the start of the next book from this one. I can spot those things easy now. And I’m tempted to buy it since it seems so have a whole different world around our new couple, even if our main guy has the same, we’ll mostly the same, baggage as our assassin.
Yes, buy this book and enjoy the heck out of it.
So, I was surprised and …surprised when this became very evident.
The twist got me. That is all I’m going to say about that.
All that honestly mixed in with the mystery of the assassin kept the drama coming. I shouted the answer and then the author made me think I was wrong. What??!!!
I had fun, I gasped with the king at times. Oh, speaking the king, he was written interestingly. I didn’t realize what was a little “off” about him until well past the halfway point of the book. And I should have realized it far sooner. But I think it helped me like the book as much as I did, and as you can see, I liked it a lot.
I saw how the author spliced the start of the next book from this one. I can spot those things easy now. And I’m tempted to buy it since it seems so have a whole different world around our new couple, even if our main guy has the same, we’ll mostly the same, baggage as our assassin.
Yes, buy this book and enjoy the heck out of it.
October 17, 2023
This book enchanted me from start to finish, I really enjoyed the world building and the plot of the assassination. Fantasy aspects are not major obvious other then certain appearance aspects, but otherwise didn't feel too much of a focus.
I adored Lock and that while he fell in love with the king, he still kept to his own views too and didn't get swept up in it. He made decisions on his terms and the relationship developing, keeping the work separate to their romance sticking to his opinion.
Taroc grew on me over time, but also don't feel got as much insight into him truly other then through Lock. Still their chemistry is incredible and I enjoyed seeing him learn through their romance. How Lock didn't let him get away with things and even when they disagreed, compliment each other and only added to their passion.
Also the action scenes, Lock's defensive instincts and his ability to sneak around. All of his various contacts were entertaining too and made for lots of fun interactions, they added an element of adventure to the story.
Overall an interesting read with so much to love and a happy ending! I'm intrigued about the next book in series too, so look forward to reading more in this world 💛
I adored Lock and that while he fell in love with the king, he still kept to his own views too and didn't get swept up in it. He made decisions on his terms and the relationship developing, keeping the work separate to their romance sticking to his opinion.
Taroc grew on me over time, but also don't feel got as much insight into him truly other then through Lock. Still their chemistry is incredible and I enjoyed seeing him learn through their romance. How Lock didn't let him get away with things and even when they disagreed, compliment each other and only added to their passion.
Also the action scenes, Lock's defensive instincts and his ability to sneak around. All of his various contacts were entertaining too and made for lots of fun interactions, they added an element of adventure to the story.
Overall an interesting read with so much to love and a happy ending! I'm intrigued about the next book in series too, so look forward to reading more in this world 💛
February 13, 2023
Uneven but overall I enjoyed it - 3*
This is a fairly straightforward tale about a human assassin, Locrian, hired to kill the King, Tarocvar. Tarocvar is a dragon as are all his guards. Yet somehow Locrian gets past them all and is only stopped by the king himself. Needless to say he is unimpressed by his guards failure and decides that Locrian will get to live but will now shadow the king and protect him almost 24/7. Naturally this leads to sex. It seems Tarocvar is both insatiable and indiscriminate. Locrian needs to figure out who hired him and save the kings life. I liked Locrian well enough but Tarocvar left me a bit cold. I also thought his behaviour was inconsistent which did affect my enjoyment. Also the bad guy was really obvious and only needed a moustache to twirl. However I did go read the next book right away.
This is a fairly straightforward tale about a human assassin, Locrian, hired to kill the King, Tarocvar. Tarocvar is a dragon as are all his guards. Yet somehow Locrian gets past them all and is only stopped by the king himself. Needless to say he is unimpressed by his guards failure and decides that Locrian will get to live but will now shadow the king and protect him almost 24/7. Naturally this leads to sex. It seems Tarocvar is both insatiable and indiscriminate. Locrian needs to figure out who hired him and save the kings life. I liked Locrian well enough but Tarocvar left me a bit cold. I also thought his behaviour was inconsistent which did affect my enjoyment. Also the bad guy was really obvious and only needed a moustache to twirl. However I did go read the next book right away.
July 7, 2022
What an aswesome start to a series. There is no other author who can give me the happy tingling that Amy does with her characters. This was perfection to me, it had humor, strong characters, action, romantic gestures, angst, sexy times, everything I enjoy most. I like flawed characters, who act like jerks but redeemed themselves. Amy does this better than anyone, although here both MC were pretty perfect more so than others from previous series I still adored them even tho I would have love some more angst for them. Lock was especially strong, he knew who he was and took no shame in his wants or needs, the King was a gentle giant whose bark was louder than his bite. I m excited this is a new series, I was in morning after finishing the Soul Stone saga😀🍹
March 6, 2023
4.5 Stars
This was a unique read that I wasn't expecting. I absolutely loved Lock and Torac together. They made me laugh and were so freaking cute together! I think Amy Sumida did a great job balancing romance and intrigue in this book, even if it was a little predictable and slightly anticlimactic. I enjoyed so many aspects about this book, and the only thing that really would have made it that much better was just a little bit more on actual relationship development. A lot of my reviews say something similar, but this is the bread and butter of romance novels. I still loved this book, but I think it could have delved just a little bit better. I would definitely reread this though and I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series!
This was a unique read that I wasn't expecting. I absolutely loved Lock and Torac together. They made me laugh and were so freaking cute together! I think Amy Sumida did a great job balancing romance and intrigue in this book, even if it was a little predictable and slightly anticlimactic. I enjoyed so many aspects about this book, and the only thing that really would have made it that much better was just a little bit more on actual relationship development. A lot of my reviews say something similar, but this is the bread and butter of romance novels. I still loved this book, but I think it could have delved just a little bit better. I would definitely reread this though and I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series!
May 20, 2025
An Engaging enemies to lovers Mm fantasy romance
Well written enemies to lovers king/assassin romance. It has likeable characters, political intrigue, conspiracy and investigations, murder mystery, a bit of magic and adventure. I really liked the side characters as well, they were a mix of fun and complex characters that made for a lot of loveable moments, that speak well of Amy Sumida’s ability to create evocative characters.
The dragons are shapeshifting dragons so you don’t see them in their dragon form in this book, but you do get partial shifts. The only other thing is the main characters use the f word a lot, but other than that I liked the story. It was fun and I liked the emotional development.
Overall, if you like Tavia Lark this is probably up your alley.
Well written enemies to lovers king/assassin romance. It has likeable characters, political intrigue, conspiracy and investigations, murder mystery, a bit of magic and adventure. I really liked the side characters as well, they were a mix of fun and complex characters that made for a lot of loveable moments, that speak well of Amy Sumida’s ability to create evocative characters.
The dragons are shapeshifting dragons so you don’t see them in their dragon form in this book, but you do get partial shifts. The only other thing is the main characters use the f word a lot, but other than that I liked the story. It was fun and I liked the emotional development.
Overall, if you like Tavia Lark this is probably up your alley.
April 12, 2023
On the Fence
It’s a pretty quick, fun read. It definitely has some great things going on between plot and the recognition of needed character development, but it also reads very immaturely. There’s no great prose or beautifully constructed description passages. It has a solid plot, quick dialog, and fun humor that nearly doesn’t fit type of world the author created. It’s cute, but the written work isn’t enticing. It was hard to finish and found myself skimming a lot just to power through because the writing wasn’t strong enough. Again, good plot idea, decent world building, but a lack of finesse.
It’s a pretty quick, fun read. It definitely has some great things going on between plot and the recognition of needed character development, but it also reads very immaturely. There’s no great prose or beautifully constructed description passages. It has a solid plot, quick dialog, and fun humor that nearly doesn’t fit type of world the author created. It’s cute, but the written work isn’t enticing. It was hard to finish and found myself skimming a lot just to power through because the writing wasn’t strong enough. Again, good plot idea, decent world building, but a lack of finesse.
February 11, 2024
3,25/5
I was pleasantly suprised. I enjoyed the story quite a lot.
*Full disclosure*
I listened to the AI narrated audio because I was curious. And it wasn't that bad-I was even pleasantly surprised. Yes, there were no emotions in the emotional scenes and everyone sounded the same (hence sometimes confusion in the dialogues), but the narration in itself was pretty good (My narration speed was 2,4x).
I'm still 100% on the side of human narrators though. Because I know my rating/enjoyment would have been higher with a *good* human narrator!
I was pleasantly suprised. I enjoyed the story quite a lot.
*Full disclosure*
I listened to the AI narrated audio because I was curious. And it wasn't that bad-I was even pleasantly surprised. Yes, there were no emotions in the emotional scenes and everyone sounded the same (hence sometimes confusion in the dialogues), but the narration in itself was pretty good (My narration speed was 2,4x).
I'm still 100% on the side of human narrators though. Because I know my rating/enjoyment would have been higher with a *good* human narrator!
July 26, 2024
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April 27, 2025
I was a little disappointed by the plot cuz I figured out who it was halfway through the book and was annoyed at how long it took the assassin to figure it out and the ending felt a bit rushed and I wasn't a fan of some of the icky anti- woman body thoughts from the gay men
However I was looking for a fun, gay, smutty read and that's exactly what I got. Other than that I enjoyed the majority of the world building and the banter between the characters and it was written in a way that was easy to follow. All in all I enjoyed it.
However I was looking for a fun, gay, smutty read and that's exactly what I got. Other than that I enjoyed the majority of the world building and the banter between the characters and it was written in a way that was easy to follow. All in all I enjoyed it.
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