The Assassin’s Wrath by R.S. Moule

Elloise Hopkins

Disowned and blamed for his brother’s death at the hands of the vampyre Solis Deadhand, Cetrik’s problems are far from over. He has been accused of besmirching the reputation of King Wexl’s daughter, even though in classic Cetrik style he chose to do the right thing and leave the lady very much untouched. Of course no one believes him, not even Locan A’Shadow, who as usual is too busy drinking to help with the much-needed, speedy getaway, leaving Cetrik to deal with the very real problem of how to get Morvolt, his uncooperative, ill-tempered horse, aboard The Red Fiend.

Finally on board, and unfortunately leaving Wexl’s very comfortable hospitality (and his daughter) behind, Locan’s temper is as poor as the weather. As the journey goes on, the ship does not look like it will withstand the storm, and soon enough Cetrik finds himself shipwrecked in a new land, Paleir, where of course, trouble will not take long to find him.

The City of High Tulbor, in the land of Paleir, is where dragons are said to still be seen, and Cetrik cannot pass up the opportunity to see one of the legendary beasts himself. Unfortunately, Paleir is also a land where slavery is still very much alive, and with Locan’s unfriendly demeanour making the situation far worse than it began, very soon Cetrik’s freedom and life are in danger once again. 

The Assassin’s Wrath is a brilliant follow-up in the Legends of the Shadow series, perfectly picking up after the events of book one and plunging Cetrik immediately into more problems. Some are of his own making, as we expect from his young naivety and his desire to see the good in everyone, including himself, and some, of course, are very much accountable to Locan A’Shadow, who has shifted from being Cetrik’s hero, to sometime friend, saviour, and ofttimes a somewhat antagonistical added challenge to life.  

The promise of dragons adds excitement to the narrative, which explores the harrowing impacts of slavery through Cetrik’s adventures and trials. Like before, we have a good page turner, full of sword and sorcery, mythical creatures, witty asides, friendly frustrations, and Cetrik’s attempts to behave as the noble he was raised to be, despite the tangents his life has taken him on. A recommended read, fun and fast.