
Assassin: A Dark Epic Fantasy Novel (Darkblade Book 1)
by Andy Peloquin
At a glance
About the Author
Andy Peloquin1 book reviewed
Assassin
A Dark Epic Fantasy Novel (Darkblade Book 1)
by Andy Peloquin
LuvemBooks Verdict
Best for
Committed grimdark readers who want a morally compromised, emotionally layered immortal antihero at the centre of a corrupt, atmospheric city — and who are prepared to invest in the first book of a completed eleven-volume epic.
Worth it if
You gravitate toward the unrelenting moral darkness of authors like Joe Abercrombie, want a protagonist with genuine psychological depth rather than a flat action figure, and have the appetite for a 672-page entry point that delivers a proper conclusion rather than an abrupt cliffhanger.
Skip if
You prefer dark fantasy that modulates its grimness with tonal contrast or moments of levity, or find the commitment of a multi-book, doorstop-length epic a deterrent rather than a draw.
What readers & critics say
Grimdark Magazine praised the novel as "full of action and enjoyable scenes" set within the gloriously corrupt city of Voramis, calling it a "lengthy but fun read" and singling out Peloquin as a standout indie voice in dark fantasy. Fantasy Book Review echoed that enthusiasm, describing the Hunter as a "very real and three-dimensional hero" and the book as "a fantastic series debut from a great voice in Epic Fantasy."
Sources: Grimdark Magazine, Fantasy Book Review, adgreenauthor.com, helengarraway.comAsk LuvemBooks
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- Is it worth reading?
- For readers already drawn to the grimdark end of the fantasy spectrum — fans of morally compromised antiheroes, blood-soaked urban settings, and action-driven storytelling — Assassin delivers on its considerable ambitions. Fantasy Book Review called it 'a fantastic series debut from a great voice in Epic Fantasy,' and C.T. Phipps at Grimdark Magazine described it as 'full of action and enjoyable scenes,' characterizing the experience as 'lengthy but fun.' The key caveats are real: at 672 pages, the commitment is substantial, and the darkness is structural and unrelenting rather than atmospheric, so readers who prefer tonal contrast or lighter moments within dark fantasy should go in with clear expectations.
- Similar books
- Readers who enjoy Assassin are likely to gravitate toward other works that blend epic scope with morally complex protagonists. Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind shares the antihero-with-legend framing and meticulous world-building, while George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones offers the same moral ruthlessness and sprawling ambition. For readers drawn to the darker, more mythological end of fantasy, Amber V. Nicole's The Book of Azrael and Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window both feature shadowy, morally complicated protagonists in richly built worlds. Andy Peloquin's own Darkblade series continues directly with Defender: Darkblade Book 2, and his Child of the Night Guild series offers another entry point into his grimdark universe.
- Who should read this?
- Assassin is unambiguously aimed at readers already invested in grimdark fantasy — those drawn to morally compromised antiheroes, blood-soaked urban settings, and long-form epic ambition. LuvemBooks identifies fans of Joe Abercrombie's work and readers who found Robert Jordan's moral complexity compelling but wished the world had been even harsher as the core audience. Readers who enjoy complete, action-driven narratives with genuine emotional stakes — and who can commit to 672 pages of unrelenting darkness — will find the most reward here. Those who prefer tonal variety, moments of levity within dark fantasy, or shorter novels should approach with calibrated expectations.
- How dark is it, exactly?
- The darkness in Assassin is not atmospheric ornamentation — it is structural and consistent throughout the novel. The reviewer at adgreenauthor.com was explicit: this is an 'EPIC Dark Fantasy Novel with emphasis on the Dark.' Peloquin does not modulate the grimness for relief; the city of Voramis is designed as a morally bankrupt cesspool, and the Hunter's work as an assassin-for-hire means violence and moral compromise are constant narrative elements. LuvemBooks frames this as a signal of fit rather than a flaw — readers who know they want unrelenting grimdark will find it delivered in full.
- Do I need to commit to 11 books?
- No — Assassin is structured as a complete, satisfying entry point with a genuine conclusion rather than an abrupt cliffhanger, so readers can experience it as a self-contained novel. Fantasy Book Review noted this as a sign of deliberate craft, observing that Peloquin 'had barely scratched the surface' of his world in this installment — meaning the series has enormous room to grow, but the first book earns its ending. That said, the eleven-book scope means readers who fall for the Hunter and Voramis have a substantial world awaiting them.
- How does it hold up as an indie fantasy novel?
- Assassin is published by The Fantasy Fiends Publishing Inc. rather than a major commercial house, and it has built its reputation within the indie dark fantasy community. C.T. Phipps — reviewing for Grimdark Magazine — described Peloquin as one of his favorite indie writers in dark fantasy, and Fantasy Book Review called the series debut 'fantastic' and recognized Peloquin as 'a great voice in Epic Fantasy.' That community recognition reflects real enthusiasm from readers who take the subgenre seriously, even if the book operates outside mainstream publishing channels.
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Age & Reading Level
Recommended age
Ages 16+
Reading level
Adult
Content to know about
Best for: Adults / mature 16+ — pervasive graphic violence, assassin-for-hire premise, and unrelenting grimdark moral darkness throughout.
Skip if you prefer dark fantasy with tonal variety, moments of levity, or a faster-resolving, shorter novel.
Editorial Review
Assassin: A Dark Epic Fantasy Novel is the opening entry in Andy Peloquin's eleven-book Darkblade series, published by The Fantasy Fiends Publishing Inc. In July 2021, and it delivers exactly what its title promises — a relentless, action-driven descent into the grimdark end of the fantasy spectrum, centered on a legendary immortal killer known only as the Hunter of Voramis. Readers drawn to morally complex antiheroes, blood-soaked urban fantasy settings, and sprawling epic ambition will find a great deal to engage with here, though the book's considerable length and unrelenting darkness will naturally suit some tastes more than others.
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