Black Talon

Dragonblood Assassin, Book 1

By: Jaime Castle, Andy Peloquin

Narrated by: Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

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.

Black Talon is the first book in Dragonblood Assassin from number one Audible and Washington Post best seller Jaime Castle and epic-fantasy legend Andy Peloquin, perfect for fans of the Forgotten Realms, Joe Abercrombie, David Dalglish, and Kel Kade.

©2023 Aethon Books (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

Solid entertainment that pulls no punches

I was skeptical that this book would keep my attention. I haven't heard of the authors and there was an editing error early on in the book. As the story progressed however I was increasingly engrossed. It was solidly written and it had my action sequences. When I say that it pulls no punches I mean that the authors weren't worried about offending the more sensitive reader with explicit carnage. I will say that the book lacked the sophisticad magic system that is present in books by other authors, Brandon Sanderson, for instance, but it didn't lack for entertainment because of it.

Enjoyed listening

Pulled me in and I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Could not find it so I’ll follow the authors.

Really!

I am waiting for the next book, even more than before. I hate cliffhangers, I had to finish this one, hoping the next one would have been completed.

Enjoyed

Really good book. I can’t wait for book 2. The characters are intriguing and the two narraters were amazing.

Give me book 2 immediately

Loved this book very upset Book 2 is not yet available on Audible... I will be waiting impatiently

Dragon Fantasy for the Cool Kids

Wow, that was not what I expected. Page one starts “Two men would die today.” Right away, we’re watching from the shadows as our hero plans his night’s work. His mission is to assassinate a corrupt Royal with sins bad enough to make your gut turn. And he’s only the first of many Kullen must handle to protect the emperor.
What an incredible start! We see the dragon blood power at work in our hero, Kullen, while a number of other interesting characters take the stage. Clear out some room in your schedule and get cracking!
I really enjoyed the two main characters; each has unique and incredible skills while also possessing rich character to keep us going. The political atmosphere in this city is fascinating to explore as each chapter enhances the mystery of who’s who and where they have to go next. No trip is without beautiful scene descriptions. No fight is easy, nor will you escape without a grunt or two in shock. The cost of magic is as high stakes as the fate of their loved ones.
Black Talon is Dragon Fantasy for the cool kids. I freaking love it.

Outstanding

Much better than most of the stuff I listen to in this genre. The story was clean and compelling. No irrelevant tangents that muddy the main story lines. The main characters were GREAT. This is refreshingly unlike some books in this genre that often throw too much at the story—too many characters, too many factions, too many worlds. Would listen to it again.

Dang…

Honestly, one of the better books I’ve read in a while. Ready for book #2! To the authors, don’t rush, but hurry up, but take your time, but I needed it yesterday. Hope that helps.

Good but plodding at times

Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin are good writers and they chose a somewhat unique storyline to plumb. I enjoyed the dichotomy between the two MCs being presumably on opposing sides in a class warfare struggle and being of different genders. However, there are instances where the female assassin encounters opponents of significantly higher weight class and muscular build and yet unbelievably seems to hold her own during a melee contact engagement, The male assassin also seems a bit slow on making the obvious connections between the killings and the threat to the crown.

The book was too long for the progression of the story and could have easily been cut by a third and made for a more enjoyable pacing.

Still, I did enjoy the book and may decide to continue the series.

Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are Epic novel dynamic Duos when it comes to the narrating performance and continue that trend in this book.

I needed this

Refreshing change in pace from my normal! Looking fwd to book 3 coming out on audible