Title: Ancient WarlordAuthor: Katie Reus
Series: Ancients Rising #10
Pages: 262
Publication Date: July 22, 2025
Publisher: KR Press
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Paranormal
Synopsis:
She’s making a new life for herself in a realm full of dragon shifters…
Mia knew about the things that go bump in the night long before the world fell into chaos. As a human artist living in a world full of dragons, she should feel out of place. But she’s never felt more at home here—until an obnoxious, bossy dragon shifter makes it clear she doesn’t belong. His cruel words dredge up memories she’s determined to forget.
And turned his world upside down.
As a former warlord turned assassin, dragon shifter Tiber has never been great with women—and the moment he meets his mate, he sticks his foot in his mouth in the worst way. Now she hates him, and he has no idea how to make things right—especially since every time he opens his mouth, he makes things worse. But when it’s clear that someone wants to get rid of his feisty human, he dedicates his life to keeping her safe. If anyone wants to get to her, they’ll have to go through him—and he’s made a living out of destroying his enemies. Whether Mia likes it or not, she’s his to protect and this grumpy dragon will do whatever it takes to prove they’re fated to be together.
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My Thoughts on Ancient Warlord:
I was so excited to read Ancient Warlord, the tenth book in what has become one of my favorite paranormal romance series. The Ancients Rising series has some of the swooniest MMCs and romances, and I love the unique and ever-expanding world the author created. This story takes place in the Nova realm, a dragon realm filled with romance, danger, enticing and sometimes terrifying supernatural beings, and richly developed and compelling characters.
Mia is one of my favorite heroines in the series so far. A celebrated and exceptionally talented artist, her work is in high demand, and she’s grounded, creative, and resilient. Mia’s toxic ex, an elite vampire, enters the realm and disrupts the peaceful, happy life she carved out in the Nova realm. She’s a strong woman trying to move on from the trauma of her past, and I loved how fiercely she held on to her independence.
I also liked that Tiber never tried to control or overshadow Mia. The pair definitely started off on the wrong foot with Mia overhearing Tiber insulting humans. Oof, his first impression was awful, but he more than made up for it. From giving her space when she needed it to teaching her how to fight and recognize poisons, Tiber respected Mia’s strength while doing everything in his power to protect her. His actions always came from a place of care, and I love how hard he worked to change her impression of him and to earn her trust. OMG, watching this centuries-old warrior unravel over a woman who wants nothing to do with him was fantastic – funny, endearing, and unexpectedly sweet. He’s a ruthless and feared assassin, but when he’s with Mia, he’s a tongue-tied mess who says all the wrong things. Their dynamic had sparks from the beginning, and their chemistry was amazing!
There’s also a suspenseful storyline threaded through the story, with someone targeting Mia and Tiber going full protective alpha mode in response. Loved it! It was intriguing and intense, which made for a quick and entertaining read. I also adored the found family feel vibes! Tiber’s warrior friends were fabulous – fierce, loyal, and just as compelling as the main couple, and I’m hoping a few of them will be the focus of future novels. And a special shout out to Ilmari, the cutest, bravest, and cuddliest dragonling! What a scene-stealer!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Katie Reus for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- he falls first
- fated mates
- dragon shifter MMC
- grumpy/sunshine
About Katie Reus:
Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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