This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
It was while reading Fleming and Tolkien by flashlight under the covers that I first knew I wanted to be a writer. Flunking fourth grade put a hitch in my plans. Somehow I still graduated from Columbia with an English degree, summa cum laude no less, but that probably says more about Columbia than it does about me.
Ten years in Los Angeles writing screenplays for producers who did the flunking part but never graduated left me jaded. But that’s when it all came together: think James Bond, but he rides a horse, carries a sword, and serves a king. Way better than any screenplay. This needed to be a series. And here we are.
As for me, I have lived in both Paris and Florence, which probably explains why I can't speak French without moving my hands. I can cook a mean steak roquefort and pair it with a pinot noir, and I can field-strip an AR faster than I can open that bottle. My sword collection includes a zweihander, a gladius, and a sica, because you never know when you might have to dice a really big cabbage.
Nowadays I live a much quieter life than Killian Lord, though between my blades, my guns, and my BJJ blue belt, I can hold my own.
Follow me at “richardnovelist” on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Reviewed by Isabella Harris for Readers' Favorite
Assassin Royale by Richard Davis is a compelling fantasy that follows the journey of Killian Lord, a deadly assassin, on a mission for his king. It begins when the mysterious and ruthless Maximilian Durandal violently seizes an independent estate, killing off its master and mistress. The king, Ember, ordered his most trusted assassin, Killian Lord, on a mission to investigate the true intentions of Durandal. Lord goes undercover and infiltrates Durandal's convoy. After a series of plots and investigations, Lord discovers that Durandal is mining for a special shard. He infuses it with the souls of people to forge a devastating magical weapon, with the intention of using it to help King Globe lead a great invasion. Lord partners with Naiomi, Durandal's supposed relative, to defeat Durandal. However, what might seem like a simple mission will soon spiral out of control.
I was completely captivated by Lord's character, which was defined by his empathy and unwavering loyalty to his king. I found how Lord was able to communicate with animals to be unique. I appreciate Richard Davis's thoughtful and unique writing style, which kept me in suspense, and now I can't wait to get my hands on book 2 of this series. The action is detailed and sharply written, especially the duels between Lord and Durandal. The characters' development was really fantastic, and the author did a great job of maintaining multiple characters, which kept the book engaging. Assassin Royale maintained a really fast pace. The plot is centered on a sense of duty and responsibility. The book masterfully covers themes of loyalty, cruelty, betrayal, and many more. I recommend it to readers who enjoy high-stakes fantasy mixed with clever and intense action.
