Black Talon

Dragonblood Assassin #1

by Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin

Kullen is the Emperor’s assassin. The sharp hand of justice. The Black Talon.

Gifted a soul-forged bond with his dragon, Umbris, Kullen is tasked with hunting any and all who oppose the Empire.

But when the secretive Crimson Fang murders two noblemen before his very eyes, Kullen must discover the truth of who they are and what they want. What he uncovers is a web of lies and deceit spiraling into the depths of Dimvein.

Natisse, a high-ranking member of the rebellion known as the Crimson Fang, has no greater goal than to rid Dimvein of power-hungry nobles. Haunted by her past, fire, flames, and the death of her parents, she sets out to destroy the dragons and those who wield them as unstoppable weapons of destruction.

Until she too finds herself buried beneath the weight of the revelations her investigations reveal...

The Empire is under siege from within, and one man, dressed in black like the night, stands at the epicenter of it all.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Audiobook, Epic Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Dark Fantasy

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Jaime Castle hails from the great nation of Texas where he lives with his wife and two children and enjoys anything creative. A self-proclaimed comic book nerd and artist, he spends what little free time he can muster with his art tablet.

Jaime is a #1 Audible Bestseller, Audible Originals author (The Luna Missile Crisis) and co-created and co-authored The Buried Goddess Saga, which includes the IPPY award-winning Web of Eyes.

Fantasy:

The Buried Goddess Saga:
Web of Eyes
Winds of War
Will of Fire
Way of Gods
War of Men
Word of Truth

Dragonblood Assassin:
Black Talon
Red Claw
Silver Spines
Golden Flames (2023/2024)

RAPTORS:
Sidekick
Superteam
Scions
Baron Steele

HARRIER (Raptors)
Justice
The Trench
Invasion

The Black Badge:
Dead Acre
Cold as Hell
Vein Pursuits
Ace in the Hole (2024)

Jeff the Game Master:
Manufacturing Magic
Manipulating Magic
Mastering Magic

Science Fiction:

This Long Vigil
The Luna Missile Crisis

ROGUE STARS:
Purgatory (2024)
Divine Intervention (2024)
Reclamation (2024)

Find out more at www.jaimecastle.com

Reviews

[Lana (Lore & Lullabies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can someone please tell my thumping heart that this book isn't real because my heart is still pumping as if I was there!!

Black Talon is told from the dual perspectives of Natisse, an assassin and high ranking member of the Crimson Fang, a rebellious group of commoners and people treated poorly by the noble aristocrats And Kullen, the Black Talon, the secret assassin of the Emperor.

They work on opposite sides of the same goal in trying to find out who is behind recent assassinations, that leads to a much more sinister plot, and threat to the Empire and life as they know it.

There was action from the first page, and it doesn't really stop. The political machinations and ploys are just as deadly and anxiety inducing as the battle and fight scenes that I enjoyed immensely.

You will be saying "one more chapter" until the last page is turned. Then you will want to write a stern message to Jamie and Andy to say, "How very dare you end the book there" until realising the next one is available and 3rd due to drop 11th July 🙌🏾🙌🏾

For my audio book loving friends, the first 2 books in the series are available and narrated by Michael Kramer AND Kate Reading. Nuff said.

I haven't even touched on the magic or dragons in this book, which are intriguing and cool. I love the different voices of the dragons and can't wait to see where it goes from here. The connection and way of using the bond is unique to me and so exciting to read.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I knew going into it that there would be violence and gore, as it is grimdark and I've read other books written by Andy Peloquin. But what I loved about it was its heart. It brought so many emotions to the surface as I read. Hope, anger, loyalty, betrayal, love. I really grew to care about the characters and felt invested in their cause.

Natisse is a member of the Crimson Fang, the rebellion set on bringing down the evil nobility who lord over the city Dimvein. She's kick-ass, but struggles with fear and loss. I appreciated that trust among her closest friends meant so much to her. Her loyalty and heartache from the loss of her loved ones was sweet and devastating. I admired her strength and devotion to rooting out evil.

I felt that Kullen was a good compliment to Natisse. He has so much depth of character. Raised as an orphan, then best friend to the prince. Now he is the emperor's assassin, the Black Talon. His loyalty is deep. He is a brutal fighter, yet he has compassion and a surprising tenderness that urged him to defend those unable to defend themselves. While at first they seem to be enemies, their goals align in many ways. I look forward to their relationship growth and seeing them work and fight together.

The dragons in this book are so cool. I really enjoyed Umbris' bond with Kullen.

The ending was fantastic. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find him Kullen! This is fast paced and the characters are wonderful and well fleshed out. I’m excited to find out where the story goes and what becomes of these characters. Kullen and Prince Jaylon most of all.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this was pretty good. Not LoTR good, but I'd give it 4 stars. The prose is good, characters are interesting and the pacing felt good as well.

However, 2 things really annoyed me, for which I deducted another star:

Kullen is this badass assassin that melts through groups of guards like a hot knife through butter. However, every time his success would cut the story short, he turns into the most incompetent idiot on the planet.

Throw a knife to hit a moving target in the eye? Check.
Hit a horse that someone is just mounting? No can do. Target escapes.

I'm sure there is a word for this, but it really annoys me when characters actions follow the story instead of drive it. The story would end right here if the character succeeded? Well, let's make him not succeed for very dubious reasons.

The book is also in need of a round of heavy editing. Especially in the first half, I noticed tons of typos and grammatical errors. In addition to that, the "Orken" speak with bad grammar intentionally. That just disrupts the reading for no good reason every time, as the Orken are shown to be quite intelligent. There is no reason they should speak like 3 year olds.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5

This is a YA book with adult characters, and I don't care what it's marketed as.

We follow two MC, one a man, dragon rider sort of, can use dragon powers and is an assassin serving the emperor. The other one a woman, trained by a secret group of revolutionaries trying to take down nobility. I don't know if they'll be lovers in a future, but so far are enemies.

Now, the world building is... there, somewhere, I just haven't met it cause everyone seems too focus on killing people and the history of people who were killed by their enemies.

There are a lot of useless people for the sake of the plot, lots of people not doing their job correctly and lots of secrets to unfold. There are also A LOT of clichés, the book didn't surprise me even once cause I was expecting what would happen next.

I'll read book 2 and see if it hooks me, but I don't think I'll finish this series.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might have enjoyed this more had the audio narrators been better...

[Christopher Morgan, · Rating 5 out of 5]

A instant classic

So match up two of my favourite heavyweight writers of fantasy and what do you get?A book you don't want to put down.
I don't need to review plot points here, as you should of already read the book and found out for yourself how good it is.

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5

Hidden pasts? Orphans? Fire? DRAGONS?!

I loved the dual perspective - both from similar backgrounds with similar aspirations but on very different sides.

Okay, but the narrator for Kullen sounds so much like Serverus Snape when he does dialogue.

So, your name is Kullen Kullen? Sounds made up.”
“Fine. What’s your name?”
“Gark.”
“So does yours.”

Bookstagram

[Arnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Talon, īstajā vārdā Kullen ir Karmianas impērijas valdnieka Staņislava Vainmarka uzticamākais soģis, kuru izmantot slepeniem uzdevumiem, nepaklausīgo karalisko vai cita augsta statusa personu letālai sodīšanai, kad citas oficiālākas un atklātākas metodes izsmeltas vai vienkārši nav attiecīgajā reizē izmantojamas. No necilas izcelsmes bāreņunamā, Kulens ir augstu kāpis.

https://poseidons99.com/2025/02/01/ja...

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, strong writing, exceptional book one.

Andy Peloquin, continues to step up and with Jamie Castle delivers. Incredible action series, with immense potential for a continued series. Work well done, thanks to both of you, well done. Onto the next book.

[Chogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this on audible because I saw Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrated and I missed them. Decent book, okay start to a series but it lacks in originality and isn't all that memorable

[Michael Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are a simple child and you want to bore yourself into eternal mind numbing nothingness then sure take a chance on this book, book is so terrible it shouldn't exist

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Black Talon" catapults readers into a dark and enthralling realm where the Black Talon, Kullen, and the fiery rebel, Natisse of the Crimson Fang, collide amidst a dance of political machinations. The narrative is packed with tension as the duo's perspectives unveil a world teetering on the brink of upheaval. The prose is a tapestry of vivid descriptions, breathing life into a land where dragons, assassins, and political intrigue intertwine seamlessly.

The characters are a symphony of complexity, from Kullen's lonely soul-forged connection with his dragon companion to Natisse's rebellious found-family. To top it all off, the inclusion of character art adds a welcome visual component to this novel. As alliances shift and mysteries unravel, the entwining of primary and secondary characters adds layers to the narrative, crafting a story of motives and alliances that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

[Andrew Rockwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars—-

[George Rokkos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved the book great start of a new series. Loved the characters and world building.

[Leslie Baptiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story, point of you from the two main characters.

A good book, very good story. A little slow in the beginning because of the two changing point of use of the two main characters. Don’t think the magic system is very deep at least not yet. Good world building excellent cast of secondary characters. will read the next book in the series. The other thing I did not like was the book ended with a cliffhanger. if you don’t mind multiple POV‘s, you’ll enjoy this book.

[Derrick Smythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is my belief that if Branderson wrote slightly darker, slightly tighter books, this is what they would read like. And no, this is not a dig at Sanderson, I happen to like most of his work and I loved this book too! And perhaps I’m way off with the comparison as it is. Perhaps it’s the fact that this is narrated by the same dream team narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer that made me feel like I was enjoying a new flavor of Sanderson. In any case, this audiobook was an absolute joy to consume.

I’ve read and loved books by Peloquin and Castle independently so it was a no-brainer to jump into something written by them as a pair. Their styles blended seamlessly into a compelling story filled with political intrigue, crafty villains, and deeply rich heroes.

Kullen is the sort the protagonist whose sense of admirable loyalty and dedication make it difficult not to root for him right from the beginning. He’s sort of like a brooding Batman or Wolverine, but with a powerful dragon added into the mix for good measure. The magic system that connects dragons and humans through the blood surge is really interesting, and the shadow walking magic Kullen employs is just plain cool. Edward W. Robertson has a vaguely similar magical element in his books that goes by the same name, though the mechanics are quite different. Using magic in this world does have it's limitations, which I like because it forces those who use it to do so sparingly. This of course, makes for more interesting problem-solving on the part of our protagonists. There are no invincibility issues in this story. And Kullen also has some emotional trauma in his past to round out his rough exterior with some relatable vulnerability.

And then there’s Natisse. Her chapters offset Kullen’s, allowing both to shine brighter in their own right. Her traumatic past propels her forward, adding depth to her character’s choices, and causing the reader to sympathize and root for her and her team. As I write this, I think maybe it was her character and the Crimson Fang that made me feel a little nostalgic toward some aspects of Sanderson's Mistborn with Vin and Kelsier. Anyway, the comradery between members of the Crimson Fang made me feel every moment of tension as they risked their lives to uncover the truth behind the slave ring that turns out to be much more than that.

There were several delicious twists to reward the reader throughout, which is why this reader just started on the second book in the series this week!

[Cristina Costea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely enjoyed this first book setting up the scene for what I believe to be a work of art. The political intrigues are reminiscent of Game of Thrones (perhaps the dragons help there), and the characters are extremely well written. It is very easy to visualise the scenes and the action shots, so I can’t wait to continue 🤩

[Unmolt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it 41% through this book before realising my life is limited and I’d rather spend it reading something that doesn’t make me miserable, my main issues are listed below, consider yourself warned.

1. The writing is serviceable, and for a self-published book I suppose it’s okay but this story would have benefited tremendously from line level edits. There’s too much repetition, awkward sentence structure, tonal inconsistencies and really weird word choices for certain things.

Examples include (but are not limited to): facial hair being described as ‘manicured’, multiple ‘well-duh’ idioms that add nothing to the narrative, completely unexplained in-world idioms that when read with no context sound incredibly stupid, ridiculous world-building swears (Shekoth’s frozen pits? Why would this be a swear? Just say fuck please.)

The writing style itself is caught in an awkward limbo of wanting to be ‘adult’ but still reading as YA, and honestly the longer I read the worse the writing got, and at some point I could see the authors losing the willpower to keep the same ‘adult’ tone they’d kept in the first few chapters and I can only assume it gets worse.

2. The plot is, as far as I’m concerned, non-existent. By 41% through the book, there is really no plot. Two assassinations and an overarching plot of ‘the nobles/rebellion vs the good emperor’ is being dangled in front of us but there’s nothing going on. At all.

So… your writing is mediocre, bordering on bad, and your plot sucks too? Straight to jail.

Kullen and Natisse assassinate targets, Kullen chats with his emperor, Kullen feeds his dragon honey chicken, Natisse goes undercover to assassinate someone else, Kullen chats some more, Natisse goes to investigate a secret slave ring, Kullen chats some more. This should be enough for plot (theoretically) but the authors write it really poorly, too much information is given to the readers too soon, there is no mystery, no effort needed on my end to discover the plot threads myself, everything is explained neatly for the reader. Thank you, I was almost afraid I’d have to employ my brain when reading.

This book tries its hand at politics but the politics boil down to: the emperor is good, the nobles are no good, the emperor’s solution is to kill all the nobles. While this is happening, the poor rebellion assassins are trying to kill the nobles too. Basically, politics is when I make my assassin kill people.

3. I noticed this trend of all the evil nobles being described as fat and the evil noble women being obsessed with looks, makeup and perfume. God, how I hate this. This idea that evil = you’re ugly is such a shitty trope to play into, and there’s nothing unique to these characters either; they are just fat, that’s all, fat and so comically stupid that you wonder how they got to be these slave trading villains in the first place.

To drive the point home the good emperor is old but his body is well-muscled by his previous knightly days, Natisse is a beautiful, red-haired assassin, Kullen is a handsome middle aged man. If you’re pretty you must be good, if you’re fat and ugly you must be bad — boring, done to death and borderline problematic, next book please.

Final thoughts: this is basically one of the 3 plot lines that fantasy books often employ, you’ve read this before with minimal changes.

Recommended for people who desperately need their 20th reiteration of Mistborn (I also hate that book, so if you like that you’ll love this).

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed the mixture of a medievalesque setting, the magic of the Lumenators and "magic" of alchemical resources, and the dragons and their ability to bond to humans. What I didn't like were the graphic descriptions of violence, crude humor/language at times, and semi-flowery writing (mostly odd word choices that felt like a dictionary synonym pick).

Our two main characters, Kullen and Natisse, are on opposing sides in this kingdom. Kullen is the Emperor's secret assassin, and Natisse is part of the underground rebellion force, the Crimson Fang. Kullen kills noblemen ("Magisters") that get out of line, on order of the Emperor, and Natisse and co. kill noblemen who have acted evilly. However, these two do seem to have similar goals and end up in the same place several times, so maybe the two sides are not as intrinsically opposite as they think they are. Maybe the real "bad guys" are just the noblemen who are greedy, cruel, and vicious. I am interested to see how K & N would reconcile their differences if (when?!) they finally have a conversation.

The plot floundered for much of this book, which is mostly where my 3.5 rating comes from (the other part comes from the excessive violence). The beginning starts with action, intending to engage the reader, but the direction of the plot quickly becomes inscrutable. It seems like everyone is just hopping around and killing noblemen...? My biggest qualm is that we don't get a clear idea of what the Crimson Fang is aiming to do. Are they just a vigilante service? Think Batman, just taking out any baddies that pop up? Or are they trying to change the makeup of the Empire, aka, take out the Emperor or all of his nobles? Unclear. Which takes away from my ability to root for the group, in a way.

Closer to the end, maybe 2/3rds through, the plot finally picks up and a mystery is presented. Action speeds up and has a purpose. (All vague to keep this spoiler-free.) I enjoyed that last 30% of the book the most, hands-down, and I am now itching to start the next book! I hope the abstract - or at least inarticulate - direction of the early parts of this book is a one-off thing, and that the rest of the series feels more driven.

While not my usual level of dark and violent, Black Talon managed to entice me to keep reading and had me invested by the end!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: graphic violence (describing where damage is done, what it does, and the gory results), gore, murder, death. Burns scars and unvoluntary flashbacks to being in fire (probably some PTSD elements here as well). Death of parents/loved ones (mostly in memories, sometimes just mentioned). Attempted sexual assault (to a minor character & stopped by one of the main characters). Crude language, sexual joking, innuendo.
**romance notes: none.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Andy Peloquin book. He’s been on my radar for a very long time and now finally took the plunge, and I’m glad I finally did. What an easy read. And I mean that in the best way possible. The characters were relatable and engaging from chapter one. The world is already built and you are thrown in the middle of it. The magic is not fully understood and that’s a good thing in my opinion. Even the main character doesn’t fully understand his powers, just knows they are there. I’ve been on a grim dark kick lately and this one was extra good because dragons, duh! I feel like this is a series since complete I will binge and have it done by the start of 2025 haha

[antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I'm conflicted
a part of me really liked the plot and it got me hooked from the beginning. but at the same time, it got me frustrated. because there are way too many things left unexplained.. the whole magic system is baffling?? and neither is explored the whole thing with the connection with the dragons. i feel like it could've been so much better
I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series.. I want to give it another chance, but idk

[Tenika Fontana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coolness, everywhere!
The perfect starter novel for teens edging into adult gore and violence. It has all the teen edge, and all the safe predictability that makes a solid, if not great, fantasy novel.

[colin clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, apart from annihilating the whole of the local gentry, and their minions, the dual plot went smoothly, the main characters were believable, and totally absorbed in their missions to make the place a better environment.

[Book Dragon Jordyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this while j was at work. The adventure was amazing. The characters were engaging and in my opinion well written.

[Sarah Terrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. It was character building for sure. Hope the next one digs into the good stuff!!

[stephen carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining story

The story was fast paced and interesting. I liked the way the author presented the story as viewed by the two main characters. The same events were presented alternately so that we could see it from each their viewpoints. Look forward to reading more

[Frank Geimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning!

Andy and Jaime have started another great series of novels. It is full of action and the storyline looks to be fast paced. I look forward to reading the entire story and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Andrew Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read

The first half of the book time some getting is to but by the last quarter it defiantly picked up and couldn't put it down. I'll retinopathy give the second book a read when released.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

There will likely be some spoilers so stop if you care. I am not going to waste my time organizing this review (might as well be as rambling as the story) First there are plot holes and things that make zero sense. There is a massive and loud fight between Kullen and Natisse and her band of fighters right off the side of a ship and NO ONE HEARD OR SAW THEM? Just silly. There is a lot, a lot of death which I don't mind but there are so many characters and when someone is just introduced and immediately killed why should I care? I do not know them at all. Readers can have not connection to these people so it does not mean much if anything to us when they die. We are TOLD not shown how much the death of these people means to others like Natisse but they did not really mean anything. The entire "plot" is like a bunch of drunk frat boys threatening and posturing and blood-for-blood (good Lord I wish I could hear that annoying phrase more-NOT). Lots of ballroom brawls and chest thumping and extremely delicately fragile and thin characters. Kullen (and others) use the dragons, they are not friends, they are not mutually beneficial-this is a huge lost opportunity for world building. Natisse acts like a spoiled brat, throwing tantrums and pouting a lot, inconsistent with a trained warrior. One line in the story states dragons don't mate with no explanation. Are they created? Is it magic? Are they eternal? Can they not be killed (we find out later yes or sort of or I don't give two cripes). This plot reminds me of 80's movies with Clint Eastwood or Stallone, or Arnold with lots of violence and little actual plot and no character development. It is ironically funny (unintentionally) in several places. I know people who read the story noticed lots of text errors and there are a ton in the audiobook as well. One example I remember is Chapter 36 the narrator repeats the same line or two. Part of the McStory is a lot of elites are being killed both by Kullen the Emperor's scary assassin The Black Talon (shudder-so scared) and the red headed (yes we hear this like a million times) Natisse. One side because they suspect they are traitors plotting against the emperor and the other because they hate the 1% elites. If there are that many elites being killed but none protest? None go to the emperor stating, hey man, lots of us big 1%ers are being killed. We pay for your shit, do you want to step in here? Nope. At the end Natisse states she couldn't help admiring the "assassin's skill" What? She fought with him once at the beginning and then saw him at the end. How the heck does she know he is an assassin? Answer-she could not (even people who really knew him did not know he was the emperor's assassin so this is just plain silly and like so many things brings you out of the story). I really did not like this story and there is so much that did not make sense and sooooo much bloat. Serious editing was needed and all the errors and silliness would have been cut down with serious editing. I wasn't going to mention this but the second author's page (Andy Peloquin) states "I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette." WTF? Seriously dude, have you read Shakespeare? James Joyce? Flannery O'Connor? Saul Bellow? Walker Percy? Those guys are fu#$ing artists. With that arrogance no wonder that runs through this story. To calm my frayed nerves let's end with the Bard "Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast." "You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize As the dead carcasses of unburied men That do corrupt my air, I banish you; And here remain with your uncertainty!"