Wolfhound by Austin Davis is the first book in The King’s Hounds series. Cassian has sworn his loyalty to an elite order that lives to serve the king. His missions send him all over as a Hound, and his latest one has him investigating a possible conspiracy against the crown. But when Cassian and his fellow Hounds are betrayed, he’s left alone and unsure who can be trusted. During his journey, the last thing he expected was to witness a young orphan named Theo being beaten by a tavern keeper, and, even more shocking is his compulsion to intervene on the boy’s behalf. Theo would do anything to stay with Cassian, but the Hound has other plans: to enroll the boy at the Royal Academy. Fitting in isn’t that easy when a bully targets Theo as soon as he arrives. Soon, he’s drawn into the middle of a plot against the king and is in over his head among traitors and spies.

Cassian is a reserved character who carries grief with him, and Austin Davis carefully chooses moments for him to reflect on those he has lost. The action is placed carefully throughout the story and nicely balances with genuine character-focused moments that make you care about what happens. This is particularly true of the moments shared with young Theo, who, from his first scene, will capture your heart. Theo is a necessary component of Cassian’s journey as the boy pushes the Hound to open his heart by giving him someone to watch over. Plus, Theo is likable, innocent, and gives a wholesomeness to the fantasy that gives the tone plenty of charm. Through Theo, the story dips into a coming-of-age journey that explores him trying to fit into the Royal Academy, make friends, and outwit a bully. His arc is more about self-discovery and learning as he finds a surprising mentor who becomes a fatherly figure and guide. These moments balance the mystery and adventure that Cassian encounters, exploring a touching dynamic that provides a familial aspect to the story. A highly recommended tale, Wolfhound is an exciting adventure that is heartfelt, suspenseful, and endearing.

In The King's Hounds by Austin Davis, as leader of a team of the King's Hounds, a loyal and specialized group of soldiers in the Kingdom of Fentia sworn to protect the crown, Wolfhound Cassian has to investigate rumors of treason. When he alone escapes a trap set by a noble, he returns to the castle. His path crosses that of Theo, an abused orphan, and he finds himself reluctantly indebted to the boy, inadvertently placing him in the chaos of a revolution. To Cassian's surprise, Theo shows an affinity toward horses. After some trouble at the orphanage, where Cassian had left him, Cassian convinces Tom, the Hounds' stable master, to take the boy in. Cassian is sent on another mission to rendezvous with an informant. On their return, betrayal leaves the kingdom at war and the royal lineage in danger. In a time of uncertainty, the king makes a shocking revelation. Soon, a smuggler's ship leaves at dusk with the last hope of the kingdom aboard, on its way to find a mythical ally on the other side of the ocean.

Wolfhound: The King's Hounds is the first book in a brand new YA fantasy series. This novel is thrilling and action-packed, with rich world-building, relatable characters, politics, sword fights, and nail-biting escapes. Although the narrative does not explicitly mention magic, it hints at each Hound's special ability. The central theme is loyalty and, with it, honor. Cassian and his fellow Hounds are honorable and loyal to the king, which is emphasized by their actions and their reactions to betrayal by one of their own. Austin Davis writes skillfully, and an astute fantasy reader will soon pick up on the opportunities that could be developed in the following books. Many readers will wonder about the story arc of Theo and Lila as well as the situation with Cassian and his homeland of Fentia. This promises to be an epic fantasy filled with suspense, adventure, and unexpected twists.

Wolfhound: The King's Hounds Book One by Austin Davis dives headfirst into a world where trust is a luxury, and betrayal is lurking around every corner. We follow Cassian, a skilled and loyal King’s Hound, whose sole purpose is to protect the kingdom. We see his journey unfold when a noble plots to betray the king, thus threatening to destabilize the realm. Cassian’s loyalty to the crown is unwavering, but when his team of Hounds is betrayed, the plot against the kingdom takes a dark and personal turn. Losing his team and having the world turn against him, he finds an ally in Theo, an orphan with a useful set of skills. Together, they must overcome the impending war and sniff out those who wish to bring about chaos.

What stands out about Wolfhound is its complex, multi-layered characters and world-building. As a protagonist, Cassian is the epitome of the reluctant hero, honourable and yet deeply conflicted about his loyalty. His growth and story progression make him such an admirable character, and you can’t help but want to see more of him. The world-building in this book is immersive, and the kingdom itself feels alive and so full of detail. Austin Davis balances fantasy with gritty realism well, making the political intrigue and action feel both fantastical and grounded. The action is relentless, with heart-pounding chase scenes, clandestine meetings, and political intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is fast, but it doesn't sacrifice character development for the sake of the plot, which I loved. Overall, Wolfhound is an amazing and well-rounded story that any reader would enjoy, and I highly recommend it.

Wolfhound by Austin Davis is a gripping entry into the fantasy genre, blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. The story follows Cassian, the leader of an elite unit known as the King’s Hounds, as he attempts to bring a treacherous noble to justice. What begins as a stealth operation to arrest Baron Walter for treason spirals into a desperate escape when the mission is betrayed. As Cassian watches his comrades fall, the weight of command and grief becomes central to his journey. Cassian’s skills as an archer and strategist make him a compelling protagonist, but his emotional wounds and sense of duty ground the story. The narrative does not shy away from the psychological toll of leadership and loss, allowing readers to connect deeply with Cassian’s internal struggles. His encounter with Theo, an abused orphan with a knack for survival, adds another layer to the story. Their relationship, forged through shared hardship and mutual respect, becomes one of the novel’s emotional cornerstones.

The world of Fentia is richly imagined, with political intrigue, layered history, and a cast of characters whose motivations often blur the line between heroism and betrayal. Austin Davis writes with engaging cinematic pacing, from stealth raids and castle sieges to quiet campfire conversations. As Cassian journeys toward justice and perhaps revenge, the novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of power. This fantasy debut is fresh, inviting readers into a kingdom on the brink of change. Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Anthony Ryan, and Brian Staveley may find Wolfhound: The King's Hounds, Book I a welcome addition to their shelves.