Conspiracy

This is book 1 of the Wahrheit series. The author offered me a review copy of the audiobook, narrated by Travis Baldree, and it was a fantastic way to experience the book. 
This book thrives on dialogue, characters, and political intrigue. The world is grey, if not bleak and dark, but it read like classical fantasy to me. Each chapter is in a character's perspective giving it a weaving plot line that takes you between various towns, cities, professions, and lives. Peasants, infantrymen, countesses, and spies. The action isn't too often, but it felt very big while it did. 
The KING IS DEAD. (Without an heir). As the king is technically the only one with the ability to control the Dragon Knights, they're left with no direction. Some will seek to replace the king and hold things together, some will seek to sow dissent. Some control, and some chaos, ensues. 
The author makes you curious about the world, while maintaining a high level of care for the cast of characters. There's magic, as well as magical creatures (the fae), but the story remained grounded the entire time. Unless they were flying dragons, of course. I really respected the choice to have the dragons be tamed animals, not sentient beings bonded with their riders, it made the entire plot feel fresh. 
Personally a 5/5*, I immediately continued on with the second! Check this out!