Crystal Dragon King

Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco #5

by Ava Ward

Is she strong enough to help her Royal Crystal Dragon take down his King?

A magical accident has left Layla's Crystal Dragon lover Dusk in stasis. Awakening with new power, he decides to go after his King - the man who oppressed his people for centuries.

Unparalleled in ruthlessness, the Crystal Dragon King will stop at nothing to bury his rival. And when Dusk moves to take the throne, Layla and her Royal Dragons are thrust into danger.

When blood flows, will Layla be strong enough to help her Crystal Dragon overthrow his King? Or will she fail - costing everyone far more than their lives?

Genres: Dragons, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Magic

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2020

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelations and retribution, power and passion

I love immersing myself in the world of the Royal Dragons, getting lost in the language, the emotions, the explosive chemistry between Layla and her men. Ava Ward has a powerful imagination, creating characters that leap off the page, a world where all five senses play a significant role in making it real, and a story that never fails to move, excite and impress me.
The previous four books in the series have been wonderful and this one is just as magnificent and was everything I was hoping for. Dusk takes centre stage, with Layla and Adrian supporting him through everything, and what an ordeal they all go through. They are not in the Hotel this time and we learn more about the Twilight Realm from their travels, meeting other races, journeying in Egypt, before being forced to another country where trials await them. A showdown of epic proportions ensues, full of heartbreaking revelations and scenes, great evil and suffering, and immense power and determination from all the main protagonists.
The best novels transport you away from your surroundings and into the stories and this series is one of the most evocative and vivid that I have read. Ava's use of language and imagery makes everything so tangible and I could almost hear the sounds in the bazaar and smell the exotic scents. Time ceased to exist while I was whisked away to Riad Rhakvir, Egypt and beyond.
Layla, Adrian and Dusk are Bound together even more during this book, and their time spent together is explosive. They are all becoming more powerful and their interactions reinforce this, literally and figuratively. I loved the very intimate, incredibly steamy scenes (and we are treated to a few!) which raised the temperature of the story exponentially. Learning more about the childhood of Adrian and his adopted brother, Dusk, helped to put a lot of things in perspective and I loved how close they actually are, which is shown in this book. They truly are brothers, with all the love, enmity, trust, jealousy, affinity and shared experiences that only that special relationship between siblings brings. Nothing is more infuriating and more important and irreplaceable than family.
Anyway, enough of me waxing lyrical, just read this series yourself. The next book also promises to be epic.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk Like An Egyptian

May contain spoilers! Proceed with caution!!

Normally I try very hard not to spoil anything for a reader, so I promise to leave some surprises!

First off, Dusk is my absolute favorite of Layla’s bound men, so naturally I was quite excited when I read the title of this installment of the series. Anything crystal dragon related, count me in! In this book we travel to Egypt and learn loads about Dusk and his former clan. We also travel to Prague and meet the crystal dragon King Marcus.

Other notable tidbits: Layla’s bind magic, some sexy time, and a little bit about the Crimson Circle.

Overall, it’s got everything! Action, sexy time, mystery, and of course some amazing sassiness from our leading lady!

Can’t wait for the next book!

[Debora Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given by the author in exchange for a honest review. This review can contain some spoilers. You have been warned.

We start this book a few weeks after Dusk was put in hibernation in a crystal coffin. Layla and Adrian are enjoying a deserved vacation for Valentine's Day when they get the news that Dusk is awake and is destroying Adrian's palace in his dragon form. After Layla and Adrian manage to calm him down and make him human again, they discover he has been dreaming about restoring his clan again. But that makes him a target since King Markus Ambrose won't let anyone takes his throne.

This book is a lot more "calmer" than the last one but in compensation we have much more steamy moments. And we finally have the threesome that Mrs Ward has been hinting since the second book. My only complain is we didn't got much Reginald in this book too ): He has been missing for a while since he has been staying with his clan, but I just hope he doesn't leave the bind. And in the end we a got a little plot twist that probably will make the story more interesting in the 6th book.

Mrs Ward nailed again with her story and her characters and I can't wait to see what we will have next!

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat level rise!

This fifth book of „Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco“ is mostly focusted on Dusk, without neglecting the other main characters. I love the way Ava Ward describes the different locations of where the story takes place, it is so colourful and vivid! I am looking forward to the next books, wondering how Reginald and Rhennic fit in the strong bond Lyla has with Adrian and Dusk

[Kimberly Bicknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I loved reading this book! I wasn't sure about the whole reverse harem thing and how it would go, but I have not been able to put any of these books down. I cannot wait for the next book to come out! Thank you Miss Ava for writing these books.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, it just gets better and better!
This one is about Dusk and the crystal dragon king. It is so good. I really wasn't expecting the way things went. And the things tha happen between Adrian, Dusk and Layla... Wow! Great book. I'm a huge fan!

[Shivani McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully Steamy Dragon book from Ava Ward with SEX right off the bat! So much great sex all over the place, oh my goodness. This book is all about Dusk, my favorite dragon, and all he goes through after coming out of stasis and months without seeing Layla his dragon bind. He is stronger and more sexy then before but all that energy and the many earthquakes he creates can not be hidden from his Crystal Dragon King in Prague. Before you know it Dusk is summoned by the king to go to Prague. At this point I had been happily reading along enjoying the reunion and the fun everyone was having. But as soon as Dusk received the summons I had to put the book down for a day. I didn't want the good times to end and I just knew it was going to be bad for Layla, Dusk and Adrian. They were walking into danger most severe. But I bit the bullet and dove back in again to witness an all clans rally like nothing before and steadied myself for the testing Dusk would be going through. That is all I'll say about what happened because it was intense. Ms. Wards descriptions of the crystal palace in Prague and Dusk home land in Egypt are amazingly beautiful, very rich in color and elegant in description. She has created another great sequel to her reverse harem dragon series. This set of books I will keep forever to be read over and over. They are that yummy and fun. I was given a free ARC copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimmy Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been following along in this series since book one and I have to say I have not been disappointed. I’ve been waiting to delve more into who dusk is as a character and coming into himself as part of the bind and his race. It’s such a great insight and I can’t wait to read more of the series and see just how much more in-depth Ms ward can get to this world.

[C L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book

Having read the previous 4 books I couldn't wait to get started on this one. It really didn't dissappoint

Sadness, joy and love all come through in the book. Layla and her new family get tested and discover new heights.

[Cleocutie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series. It is just as full of emotion and suspense as the previous books and leaves you spellbound until the very end.

[Hannah Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. This time around we get to learn more about Dusk, his powers, and his past. We also get to meet the Crystal King Markus and find out what is really happening in his court. Out of all the books so far, this is the one which I have found the most emotional. It reminds me why Dusk is my favourite man in the series.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this one is the best yet in the series...so far. I am probably biased, though, since Dusk is my favorite and I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for a few months now. You can expect the same incredibly rich world building and soul-deep connections between Layla and her Binds in Crystal Dragon King along with a heavy dose of edge-of-your-seat action scenes (my heart still isn’t beating right).
Dusk finally wakes up from his coma stronger than ever but that attracts the attention of the tyrannical Crystal Dragon King whom Dusk has been studiously avoiding for 150 years. Rumor has it anyone deemed strong enough to challenge the King is summoned and killed before that can happen. Dusk feels he is strong enough now to end the Crystal King’s terror-filled reign. Will the upper hand Layla, Adrian and Dusk think they have through the power of their Bind be enough?
We discover the answers to many questions in Crystal Dragon King but the overall mystery of Hunter is constantly changing and evolving.
I can’t wait to read the sixth book where we get to see more of Rhennic!!! (He is a close 2nd...sorry Dusk)

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Marvellous Dragonic Adventures

This series goes from strength to strength. This book focuses on Dusk’s heritage and magic. His history is brought to life, by this author, as we visit the Twilight version of Luxor in Egypt.

Dusk was injured gravely in the battle with the White Chalice and was in a coma for two months, trapped inside a crystal sarcophagus. When he finally wakes, he decides he must return to his clan home and resurrect the Egyptian Crystal Dragon Clan. Of course, Adrian and Layla join him.

Dusk, Adrian and Layla become more tightly Bound as the other members of the Bind are away fulfilling their clan duties. Experiments in magic that Dusk and Adrian undertook in their youth finally come into their own as they learn to blend more tightly in their Bind. The danger of opening up the Egyptian Clan Home is only the start of the darkness and terror they must face.

This wonderful book continues the series beautifully. It takes the existing characters and reveals even more of their personalities and history and delves into new and interesting plot twists. We travel to new parts of the world and this author's gift for description crafts clear and beautiful images of the places they visit. Each book builds on the last, and leads to future books as the plot winds tighter and tighter in the overall story arc.

This series is superb and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the reverse harem series and I do believe this is the strongest book so far. I really enjoyed reading this book primarily because as a character Dusk Alrohaim is one of my very favourite characters and also because in this book we see Dusk coming into his own. As he surfaces from a magical coma he was thrown into, he comes out stronger than ever and decides he wants to take on the tyrannical crystal dragon King who had been making crystal dragon clans’ lives all over the world a misery. However the King was ancient and mighty and with many tricks up his sleeve and Dusk was having doubts whether he would be able to carry his intent through without endangering all the members in their bind. Adrian and Layla were behind him in his effort and they travelled together to Egypt, Dusk’s family home to start putting the ruins back in place at the crystal plateau and Dusk sent out his resonance inviting other dragons to join his new clan as their first, but of course King Marcus felt the resonance and called him for his trials in Prague. Once there Layla, Adrian and Dusk discover horrors undreamed of and face dangers which brought them all close to their death! I found this book to be not only the sizzling hot and sexy read the whole series has been so far, but also one full of tension and excitement as Dusk fights to right an enormous wrong which has been done to Crystal Dragons everywhere. I love that the bind gives them all strength and that they are growing by sharing one another’s powers. Ava Ward writes a story of love, and lust and courage beautifully and with great finesse and class and I find myself already craving the next book!

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Resonence

XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised. Dusk has always been my favorite. I loved how torn and controlled he always is. Yet brimming with the need to devour. Kayla and Adrian always have beat between them. Add Disk to the mix and it becomes scalding lava hot. Need more of Rhennic and Reginald. They were barley blurbs!

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING paranormal Novel and an absolute MUST-READ
Having just finished reading CRYSTAL DRAGON KING by author Ava Ward, I have to admit to wanting to kiss this creative and prolific author while wanting to strangle her as well. For those of you who have not yet met author Ava Ward, she is the writer behind A RED LETTER HOTEL PARANORMAL ROMANCE. The title gives away the primary information, but what romance readers will also want to know this:
 At last count (February 2020) there are 5 standalone novels in the series with the promise of at least one more.
 It is a paranormal romance with dragons, and the romance is real!
 Each novel has been better than the ones which preceded it (IMHO).
 Some scenes get pretty STEAMY and explicit, so only readers 18 and over, please.
 This author keeps her facts straight, the angst tight, and the action non-stop.
 Each novel is 300-350 pages – so readers get a superb value for the price!
Author Ava Ward’s A RED LETTER HOTEL is a series of phenomenal paranormal romances that I have adored reading. However, it is the profound effect this last novel, CRYSTAL DRAGON KING, has wrought on my psyche that I must share the depth of emotion the story has pulled from me as well as confessing how deep my attachment to the characters of Dusk, Layla and Adrian has become. After all these characters have been through during their relative young (in Dragon years) lives; all they have survived, all they’ve had to sacrifice, all that they have denied themselves, and all they have had to fight for reaches this amazing pinnacle – a victory of immense worth, a victory so compelling, so encompassing that the entire world, both human and that of the Twilight Realm have been holding a collective breath awaiting its outcome – and then it ends like this? A victorious inhale, which a week later and thousands of miles in distance, only now has dared to begin an exhale in relief. Then to have that snatched away . . . I don’t even have the words right now. All I can do is identify how Ms. Ward using her impeccably erudite prose weaved a story so compelling and so complex that here it is a week later, and I still find fault with everything I’ve written in an effort to describe CRYSTAL DRAGON KING. It is my favorite of the series so far. It is a standalone novel written in a world from author Ward’s creative imagination. A world and circumstances that during the reading becomes a realm this reader becomes lost inside. How Ms. Ward is able to keep all of the characters learning, growing, fluid – yet staying true to their roles boggles the mind and is even more complementary if readers understand that she has done the same with a host of secondary characters as well. Additionally, I love that Adrian, Layla, and Dusk continue to move together as an insular group to take out tyrannical leaders. Each of the previous novels has possessed this within the mix of their action, but I love that good wins the day. I am in absolute awe and must admit that I would love to give CRYSTAL DRAGON KING TEN STARs if I could. But I can’t. However, I voluntarily read a copy of CRYSTAL DRAGON KING, and this is my VOLUNTARY and HONEST 5+STAR review. I STRONGLY suggest that you purchase your copy of CRYSTAL DRAGON KING right away. Even if this the first novel you read – you will love the stories about Ava Ward’s A RED LETTER HOTEL. Happy pages! 😉.

[Alexandria Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crysta King Mantle is Taken

*****Spoilers*****

Dusk wakes from his cocoon whole and hale and impressive. Though he's booted from the desert dragon clan, it's all good because he steps up and faces his legacy, or better said, accepts who he knows he wants to send should be which is a powerful Crystal dragon first of his own clan in Egypt. Instead of hiding from the Crystal King, he embraces the Bind and re-forms the one he and Adrian had built together by accident many years ago. Turns out sharing a woman like they did with Layla in this book was the catalyst and to hide his burgeoning power, Dusk was shucking it by way of his vast number of lovers and fights. I screwed my lips at this revelation, a way to rewrite the Dusk we saw in earlier books in a more sympathetic light. Not quite buying that storyline but okay. I still liked Dusk without that. Dusk also powered up and apparently his magnetism spiked as well given Layla's reaction to him. There are more intimate scenes in this book than any of the others and hands down when Layla and Dusk come back together is the absolute hottest.

Layla, Adrian, and Dusk are the primary focus of this book with little interaction with Reginald and Rhennic. So much so that I often found myself wondering "but what about them"? Especially since all 5 are supposed to be bound together, but when the power trio were having all of those power surges that only wound between the three instead of being shared with Reginald and Rhennic too didn't make sense given what we've gotten in the other books. Alas, the power Adrian, Layla, and Dusk generate really isn't enough to defeat the Crystal King without some major help which they receive in the form of ancient dragon spirits that hadn't been laid to rest. And good thing those should were there because they needed every bit of that power to defeat the Crystal King. Dusk was voted to take his place so there's that development.

With the four guys coming into their own in their separate territories, it makes me wonder what's going to happen with the Bind and Layla in future. That the Crystal King was a Crimson Circle member wasn't a surprise to me at all. But one thing that's getting tiresome for me in this series is the Hunter. His presence or possible machinations or subterfuge are getting in the way, I think. It's fatiguing really, that shadowy specter and particularly since the Hunter can be anyone and you'd never know because he's not only changing his face but scent as well to match. It would be nice to get to the end of him at some point soon.

It's been the same for all of these books but this one felt like there was too much focus on what people were wearing, details about scenery, etc. The descriptions were noticeable in this book in a way I didn't pay much attention to before. It might be because I was just ready to get to the action. Here's hoping the next book includes Reginald and Rhennic in a meaningful way. Though I like Adrian, Dusk, and Layla, the other two have faded in a way I didn't like.

[Sabrina Brum]

Oh where to start......Well I loved this whole series, I could not put it down.

The whole concept of the Red Letter Hotels is fantastic and unique. A hotel that caters to any needs of the elite supernatural community and that the courtesans are one of the higher ranking employees was a nice touch.

I think the world development of the series as a whole was particularly amazing. In the series it takes you to many places and each one is well developed that you can see it in your minds eye.

I did want to smack Adrian when I found out he tricked her and originally had not the greatest intentions. I absolutely loved that the author did not just have Layla forgive him just because of this mystical bond that he had to work for her and actually open up to win her love. Yes the bond was there pushing and pulling them together but it was not the sole thing to their relationship.

I did enjoy that each book focused on 1 of Layla's men more so than the others so there was great details and background into each. And it was a great twist that her bff that she almost killed turned out to be a dragon...But that he did not end up as one of her final mates. I thought that was awesome. It was a twist I did not see coming.

All in all amazing series and would recommend over and over.

[Mr D · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM Each Book Better Than The Last!

It’s been months since the battle against the White Chalice and still Dusk Arlohaim lies in his crystal sarcophagus, hopefully healing.

The book opens with Layla and Adrian taking a brief respite/ valentines day holiday away from his side. So of course something momentous happens. No I’m not talking about Layla and Adrian doing what comes naturally (and frequently). From that point forward it’s a fast paced storyline putting our trio in harms way once again it’s a matter of life or death. Of course with the lives of the people that you love soul deep suddenly at risk again it’s enough incentive to fight through the pain.

This series is building in leaps and bounds, so if this book blurb specifically caught your interest then you should know that the bad news is you can’t just start here. The good news is that you have four more books featuring the same characters each successive book is better than the one before it. That’s just my probably not so humble opinion.

[Susan Bertke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In any relationship where you have multiple partners, you usually expect jealousy and hard feelings. But Layla's Dragon Bind is creating characters who are much stronger, more well-rounded, and much more interesting than they were as individuals. In Book 5, Dusk really comes into his own -- in more ways than one! Yet, the challenge is so great that it takes the combined energy of many to survive and succeed in their greatest challenge so far.

Ms. Ward's imagination continues to astound me. Her world-building is totally immersive for the reader. And her paranormal sexual encounters are completely off the scale! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.

I received an Author's Review Copy of this book, and this is my personal opinion.

[Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS! I could not put it down. The fifth book in the Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco series is a page turner from the first to the last. Seeing Layla and her bound men get even closer in their unbreakable bond was a whole experience. I love their love beyond the physical. The whole you mess with one you mess with them all flow. They are becoming a force to be reckoned with. The team goes to bat for Dusk to be his true self and in his rightful position among his people. The bind gains new powers and secret weapons to wield in their fight to stay alive and together as a whole. Action and loving packed read that's over before you blink. Get on board with the series you won't regret it. ~Queen Nuba~

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think their are enough words to describe how fabulous this book is, it most definitely is a hot story, cold showers are needed at times. The book overall is full of wonderful places with awesome people both good and bad. Dusk the gorgeous Crystal Dragon who has been enclosed in crystal since the fight with Hunter in the last book, has awoken. He prepares to fight for his inheritance, to bring back the Egyptian Dragon Clan. Can he do it by himself or will the Crystal King destroy him? Grab a copy of the book, curl up in your favourite reading spot and prepare to be transported away to a world of deserts, dragons and all encompassing love. Highly recommended..

[Eileen Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I receive a Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco book, no matter what else I am reading, it just has to be read! I love entering the sumptuous world of the Royal Dragons and their Bind. Ava’s descriptions of the surroundings, no matter where on the world they are, is exceptional. Full of delicious detail - and crystals!! And dragons!! - and, it would seem, lost of exclamation marks too. I do find the reverse Harem theme challenging. It will be interesting how I view the subject when even more characters are added to the harem - if there are any more to add, of course.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 5th book in the series is probably the best one since the series began. Ms Ward nailed this one! The book focusses on Dusk and develops this character strongly with new story lines, loads of suspense, danger, drama and of course, the steamy romance continues.
This series is fast-paced, well-written and original in its concepts. Dive into this series if you are into dragons, reverse harem and steamy romance!

I received an advance copy of this book to provide an independent review.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series and I just loved it. Dusk has awakened from his magically induced coma and now wants to dethrone the powerful evil crystal dragon king. Layla and Adrian are there to help him. Danger is everywhere and there is so much going on but I enjoyed finding out more about the twilight realm and the continuing steamy romance of Layla and her harem. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Leatherlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better...
great characters, exotic locals, places I have always wanted to visit, and did I mention hot billionaire Dragons?
And it's believable. Seriously. It's THAT well written. With this bright capable beautiful woman in the center of it all and I'm really invested in this .

If I had a complaint it would be that Ms Ward doesn't write as fast as I would like her to write.
get the series. You won't be disappointed.

[Kristan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite, boring. After four books of the same sh*t, I'm done. DNF at 38%

Every paragraph includes the FMC's name 2-3 times. I'm really tired of reading the same phrases every page. The mates are like whack-a-mole. M1 one pops out and Layla spends time with him, then M2 two pops out. In this book, mates 3 & 4 are elsewhere. I'm so tired of reading about their eye colors, fit bodies, and overall attractiveness. Layla displays zero character growth.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss Rhennic and Reginald! I get that Ms. Ward needed this book to create a former dynamic between the trio, I just wish there would've been more than a couple of sentences with them in it. Thankfully, they'll be in the next book! Overall, this was a great continuation of the story and as always an awesome read!

[Vicki Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I've been invested in this series since the first book. I love dragon stories but this is unlike any I've read. It's so colorfully written and the connections between the bind you can feel. I think this is the most exciting book of the series. I can't wait till the next book is out.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book! I was lost in the story from the very first page. This was one of those books that you can't put down. So glad that Ava gave us an awesome story for Dusk. I love the Royal Dragons of Morocco series and can't wait for the next book. I was given an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing it.