Lord Tristram Radcliffe has a secret—he is the only dragon at the king’s court in Llangard. It’s a secret he’s kept from the knights he’s fought beside, from the ladies who bat their lashes at him, and from his closest companion, Prince Reynold. If it were to get out, he’d be banished to the Mawrcraig Mountains along with the rest of his kind, but the kingdom of men is the only one he’s ever … known, and his heart lives in the stone halls of those who’d count him an enemy.
When the old king dies and Prince Reynold takes the throne, two visitors from the north throw Tristram into the middle of the ancient conflict between dragons and men. They put him on a collision course with the king’s shadow, Bet Kyston, a dangerous assassin who may want him dead or may want more of Tristram that he’d ever thought to give.
With the eyes of dragons upon him and a threat from the north creeping toward the home he loves, Tristram must weigh his allegiances before his dual legacies tear him apart.
more
I was honestly confused at the stat of this story – so many characters! But seriously hang in there because this story is amazing. There is palace intrigue, murder, assassins, dragons and hoards, elves, kidnapping and multiple interesting story lines. It’s man vs dragon hating each other. And so, so many secrets and not just the one Tristram has. It’s clear there is a love/hate interest between Tristram and Bet. I listened to this book and the narrators are fabulous!.
I have no words honestly! This book made me so happy and so entertained! I adored all the POV’s and its characters, can’t wait to see their development now that the journey is only starting!
The creative minds of W. M. Fawkes and Sam Burns once again come up with a truly exciting M/M fantasy series for those of us in love with dragons. The premise of the Fire and Valor series is original and concerns the initial dominance of dragons that ruled over mankind until a human hero with exceptional magic skills overthrow the dragons. With innate magical talent waning over the centuries, many human beings are fearful of a possible return of the dragon who still carve out an existence among the Mawrcraig Mountains. Being a hybrid as a result of an extramarital affair his mother had with a dragon, Lord Tristam Radcliffe’s position in the Llangard court as the ‘nephew’ of the king was fairly precarious.
In ‘The King’s Dragon, Fire and Valor Book 1’, the king dies and Prince Reynold takes the throne. Right away, it is easy to tell that the newly succeeded monarch is harder, harsher, and darker than his father. Amid whispers that the dead king may have been poisoned, King Reynold’s ‘shadow’ Bet Kyston comes into the fullness of his responsibilities as an assassin and behind-the-scenes ‘fixer’. Bet and Tristram’s mutual attraction comes to the forefront when a knight visiting from the north tries to kill Tristram during a jousting competition and is himself eliminated.
During the visit of the dignitaries from the north, an attractive noblewoman (Rhiannon) along with her young male attaché Hafgan from the north shows up at the court in Llangard. Though the king is enchanted with her, she is more enchanted by the human female knight Sir Sidonie. When the king makes an unwanted sexual advance, she rebuffs with a force that reveals her draconic nature, and as an aside from their poor reaction, she discloses Tristram’s heritage. Her attaché Hafgan escapes finding his way back across the Mawrcraig Mountains to report Rhiannon’s capture and the intolerance of humans towards dragons, which insures their unwillingness to accept an alliance that will help them fight the common foe. Rhiannon’s shield brother Maddox travels back to Llandgard to help her escape imprisonment and torture–the same kind of agony Bet spares Tristram, by convincing the king to allow him to interrogate Tristram instead of leaving it for the executioner.
In an effort to get the council to mitigate King Reynold’s erratic behavior, his sister Gillian is betrayed by the uncle who suggested she approach the council initially. Being jailed in the tower by Bet, she is released by Tristram’s mother Elinor who has Prince Roland in tow as he was unwilling to sit by while those he cared for were wronged by his father King Reynold. Meanwhile, Sir Sidonie averts Rhiannon’s execution by releasing her from the magical collar that prevented her from shifting into dragon form. Taking advantage of her freedom, Rhiannon kills the executioner, eats the king, and flies off with Sir Sidonie. Gillian leaves the tower only to get captured by Maddox who plans to use her as a bargaining chip for his sword sister. He manages to see Rhiannon flying away from Llangard with an armor-clad ‘passenger’, so he has no choice but to take Princess Gillian along with him back towards the Mawrcraig Mountains. Bet, Tristram, Elinor, and Prince Roland are confronted by palace guards with the news of the king’s death and the newly crowned king is quick to appoint Lord Tristram Radcliffe as regent. Wow!
The King’s Dragon is a complex novel of intrigue skillfully orchestrated, clearly delineated, beautifully sprinkled with romance that happens on three fronts. Readers have the relationship between Tristram and Bet (M/M), the newly blossoming interconnection that transpires between Sir Sidonie and Rhiannon (F/F), and the obvious fireworks that occurs between Gillian and Maddox (M/F). It is enjoyable to see the dragon-human pairings in a series about the great divide that exists between the races. The writers do an outstanding job keeping the reader fully engaged in the novel with extraordinary pacing and superlative balance of the many key elements in the richly descriptive narrative. And delivered with a precision that prevents the reader from becoming confused–a remarkable achievement in such an elaborate work. It’s SO ridiculously good!
I discovered Sam Burns books in a giveaway a few months ago and since that moment I’d been reading a few of her books and I got caught in her wonderful writing style. Now this book is an exciting fairytale full of action and danger, a lot of intrigue and a fascinating romance (Not spoilers but Wow!). The complex plot with some pretty interesting twists and turns kept me at the end of my seat the whole time. A wonderful reading!
Audible.
This is my first book by W. M. Fawkes or Sam Burns. It’s a cliffhanger in that it’s obviously the first in a series of books about an expanding world. However, there is a complete and enjoyable tale here and I don’t feel cheated or that it was stuffed with pointless filler. I want more, but in a good way. While there are MF, MM, and FF relationships, this is primarily an “epic fantasy” with romance being a secondary, yet well written, part of the plot. There are only two sex scenes (MM) and neither are overly long and both serve the story well. Probably the biggest hurdle for me was the sheer number of characters presented in the world building. I found myself referring to the ebook text to clarify exactly who was being mentioned a few times. I found the mix of political & familial dynamics intriguing and the pacing engaging. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and the rest of the series.
I am familiar with Greg Boudreaux as a narrator and he is fantastic here as always. This was my first experience with Lessa Lamb and I look forward to more of her performances. Both narrators did an excellent job of giving distinctive accents & voices to all the characters.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Gripping fantasy
I really enjoyed this absorbing fantasy tale of two unlikely lovers and the intrigue they are surrounded by. Well written, with engaging characters, great world-building, tension/plot twists, and some steam. It’s definitely a plus that book 2 is already out, because you’ll want to go straight into it. It’s so hard to find quality MM fantasy series and I’m so happy to have found this one! I’m hoping it’s a LONG series, lol!
I would rate this 4.25 stars.
When King Edmund dies, Reynold becomes king. After several decades of peace and prosperity, this starts a cascade of events that will see the kingdom of Llangard in a more precarious position, and many uncertain who is friend or foe. Reynold’s cousin Tris is well respected at the castle, but hides his nature, afraid it will endanger his life. Bet, the king’s assassin, has his own secrets, and is a huge part of shaping the events at court with well done action scenes. As political machinations, ethics, and morals drive them apart, their long held attraction also pulls Tris and Bet together. Theirs is the main romance, if you can call it that. While the sex scenes are explicit, they are not titillating, just used for character and plot development. I would say the relationship is part of the book, not the point of the book. Tris is such a likeable character with more depth as the book goes on. It’s also quite the feat to make me feel sympathy and empathy for an assasin. For all the characters, their complex loyalties are twisted and tested until they find there is a difference between what is right, and what is honorable.
Since this is the start of a series with a full cast of characters and multiple points of view, it will require some attention to detail. While the various points of view help layer the world-building throughout the story, they also make it more difficult to get very attached to any one character. The heading for each chapter tells where the point of view starts, but be prepared for a change in points of view between scenes. Other important points of view besides Tris, Bet, and Reynold include: Reynold’s sister Gillian, Rhiannon and Hafgan as visitors to the castle, Sidonie as the King’s guard, and Prince Roland. As the Prince is nine, I am glad not too much time is spent with his point of view, but I did find it age appropriate.
Without giving too much away, relations between the dragons of the Mawrcraig Mountains and Llangard are contentious from a war fought long ago. Still, the kingdom relies on the dragons to turn back invaders from the north, and the dragons expect to be left alone. They want to improve their situation so a dragon goes to meet the new king. They may have been a threat to humans once upon a time, but they have no greed for human lands. Yet, dragonkind won’t stay hidden in the mountains forever. People of Tornheim are encroaching in the mountains. Usually a nation of tribes that don’t work together, something may be changing as they are growing bolder. The Torndals may also be creating intrigue to move against Llangard. While there is an elf in this story, the reader doesn’t know anything about the elves at all at this point. Too much care has been taken to set up this world and its politics for it not to have a much larger story arc coming. Even though this story, as it is, has a satisfying ending, there are four plot points left dangling to build upon.
If there was a stumble, I would say it’s in the development of the relationship between Sidonie and Rhiannon. They barely spend any time together at all and attraction alone between strangers wasn’t enough for me to believe how their plot point develops, even though the end is so, so good. The scene between Tris and Hafgan also seemed forced and too soon in their acquaintance for that level of exchange. There are dragons that are introduced near the end, but there was not enough done to make me intrigued by them. I would expect the next book to feature more about them and their culture; I welcome this as I would love to have their points of view too. I’m just saying dragons are written into relationships where time wasn’t taken to build them, or introduced briefly to position them for the future, rather than to add to the story already in play. This is an ambitious, action packed fantasy adventure that carries the reader merrily along. There is magic, elves, dragons, and plenty of historical lore, which may or may not be fact–every side has their own view of war, after all. My only concern is the next book will need a lot of world-building also and I hope there are more intimate scenes (like with Bet and Roland, or Tris and his mother) between the characters so I can check in with them more emotionally, rather than those getting lost in all the politics and plot twists that I intellectually enjoy. I look forward to the next book to see where everything goes, especially because the authors have made me a bit bloodthirsty and have proven they’re not afraid to surprise and delight.
Wow! I really enjoyed this book. What an epic fantasy journey. Dragons are my favorite! And I can’t wait for the next book! Tristam and Bet are like fire and ice. They belong together and need to figure that out. The other characters are just as intriguing. This book has a little bit of everything
3.75
This book was a very good introduction to a new high fantasy series. The world building is creative and skillfully crafted, and the majority of the main characters are well developed throughout the story.
The main thing that bothered me about the story was Reynold. The author gave a few hints about why he was the way he was, but even his closest friends and family did not see his behavior until he took the throne. We don’t get any real insight into his character other than his behavior, and I would have liked to have understood the reasoning in more detail.
The history of this world plays a big part in the current political and social thought processes. The humans have never looked past the ugly past with the dragons of centuries ago, even though the dragons have shown no sign of threat since then. However, the dragons know there is a coming war and that Llangard is in danger.
Tristram Radcliff has a secret that could get him executed if he were found out. But he is loyal to crown and country, and has been a good friend and adviser to the king. He is kind and gentle, and always tries to behave with honor.
Bet is the King’s shadow. He does the King’s bidding no matter the task. People fear him and shun him, but he is loyal to a fault. He feels that he owes his life to Reynold, so doing his dirty work is his duty. He also has his own secrets.
When Rhiannon and Hefgar come to the kingdom for the old King’s funeral and the activities following, Rhiannon has ulterior motives. She comes in hopes of uniting the dragons and the humans to defeat their common foe. She catches the eye of the king, but things go awry, and her true identity is discovered.
In the meantime, Bet and Tristram find themselves entwined in an affair that could be dangerous for them both should they get caught. Tristram is enticed, but Bet does not believe a lord of Tristram’s station would want anything but a tumble with a commoner like himself.
When secrets are revealed, the King’s wrath is revealed. No one is safe from his anger, and heads will roll; at least that is his intention. But people are starting to think for themselves and doubt the common ideas, and actions are taken that could be traitorous if known for what they are by the wrong people.
The book sets the stage nicely for the next in the series. It is not a cliffhanger that will leave the reader restless, but I am still looking forward to seeing more from this world. A lot is happening with the political dynamics and the interspecies possibilities. A good read and hopefully more great stories to come.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
4.5 stars An amazingly written story, it’s intriguing and captivating.
Expanding widely, the world of the kingdom, elves, dragons, secrets, betrayal. Unstable people on certain positions takes this story to the next level.
Tris and Bet are surrounded with thick attraction, the tension was palpable.
With Tristram as a secret dragon and Bet half-elf, the combination seems odd, but they match more than on first sight. Bet is certain of the fact Tris is not for him. When everything turns crazy there are people who left behind bars.
Both Tris and Bet were stunningly put down, I saw their features clear before my eyes. Their attraction and attitude toward each other were strong and delicious. They are hot together, on a bed or against the wall of a dungeon, it doesn’t matter, together they are hot.
The story is told from many pov’s, it made it all more full and expanding.
I love this writing style, because of it the whole scene felt wonderful and easily to imagine.
The development was enough, for now, it’s the first of a series so of course there will be much more to discover. I’m rooting for Sidonie and Rhiannon.
The end wasn’t satisfying for me, I would have appreciated a bit more. I’m really looking forward to #2
The King’s Dragon is the first book in the Fire and Valor series W. M. Fawkes and Sam Burns.
This story is told from multiple point of views which helped me get a feel for the important players in this tale. As a start to a series, King’s Dragon does a phenomenal job of building anticipation and interest in this universe and its characters.
I found myself fully engrossed in this story. There is a good dose of suspense and angst, a sense of danger, treason, torture and perhaps insanity. Questioning of loyalties. There is lust and love too. The characters are interesting, intriguing and entertaining. I can not wait for more.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Simmering with sexual and political tension, The King’s Dragon will pull you close, and won’t let go until its final pages. A wonderfully rich and compelling world.
Lord Tristram Radcliffe is a good man. Honorable to a fault. Loyal to his country and his cousin, the new king. But Tris is not what he seems.
Half-elf Bet Kyston, the king’s pet assassin, has honor. But few would notice. Shunned at court and feared by all, he lives to serve his king.
Bet and Tris are worlds apart. But all that’s about to change. Tensions rise as the new king begins to wield his new power in unexpected ways, testing both Tris and Bet’s unyielding loyalty to breaking point. Dragons are stirring in the north. The crown is threatened. And among it all, Bet and Tris discover they’re more alike than either could have imagined.
***
I loved this book. I loved Bet and Tris super-heated lustful exchanges that later turn into a wonderful push-and-pull between two strong characters. I loved that dragons have an OCD urge to hoard stuff, seen in Tris’ compulsion to collecting shiny, pointy things. I LOVED that there’s a strong and sweet FF relationship developing alongside that of the main characters.
I’m guessing this is the first in a series, because there’s much that’s NOT touched on, such as Bet’s elven heritage and who exactly Tris’ father is. I have questions! But I’m happy to wait until the next book. Until then, this can be read as a stand-alone, with a soft cliffhanger ending (the main plot is wrapped up but threads are left for subsequent books).
Well-written and well-edited, and if you’re looking for hot elves and dragons (who isn’t? 😉 ) this book will hit the spot.
Because he’s afraid of revealing who he really is, Tris is cautious of getting too close to anyone. And Bet never considered a relationship,so used to always be in the shadows,feared and avoided by everybody. But,try as they might,thay can’t stay away from each other.
This would be the main plotline, but everything about ‘ is awesome: the fantasy world,the characters, the romance. I’ll admit that the multiple POV has thrown me aback at the beginning, but once I got used to it, nothing could stop me from loving the story.
Now I only hope that the second installment of the series would be published soon.