If you crave morally complex protagonists, heart-racing magical intrigue, and a story where every shadow hides a secret, The Reluctant Assassin is your next obsession. Set in the richly woven Hundred Halls universe, this thrilling five-book series follows Zayn Carter—a magically enhanced assassin torn between who he is and what he was created to be.
Series Overview
A daring heist. A dangerous betrayal. Only one chance to save his family!The best assassins learn their magic at the Academy of the Subtle Arts. Everyone joins for their own reasons: to give death her proper due, to acquire outrageous fortunes, or to know that history bends to their blade—Zayn Carter joined to save his family.
Tropes You'll Love
- Reluctant Assassin
- Found Family
- Secret Organizations
- Redemption Arc
- Enemies-to-Reluctant-Allies
- Magical Espionage
- School of Magic... with Assassins
Comparable Reads (Comps)
If you enjoy:
- Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
- The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman
- An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker
...then The Reluctant Assassin is calling your name. Imagine a magical school thriller fused with dark espionage, and a protagonist you want to both hug and run from.
Zayn Carter: A Protagonist You Won’t Forget
“They made me into a weapon. But I still get to choose where I point the blade.”
Zayn isn’t your average urban fantasy hero. He’s introspective, dangerous, and emotionally raw. His past is a graveyard, but his future might still hold light—if he survives long enough to reach it.
Why Readers Love This Series
- Dark but Hopeful – A gritty, morally complex world where even assassins can seek redemption.
- Fast-Paced Action – From rooftop chases to magical standoffs, every chapter packs a punch.
- Emotional Stakes – Zayn’s trauma, guilt, and humanity give real weight to every decision.
- Expanding Universe – Intertwined with the rest of the Hundred Halls, Zayn’s story adds layers to the overarching mythos.
Series Titles
- The Reluctant Assassin
- The Sorcerous Spy
- The Veiled Diplomat
- Agent Unraveled
- The Webs That Bind
Each installment deepens the stakes and pushes Zayn to the brink—of his morality, his magic, and his mortality.
Where to Read
The series is available wide across all major ebook platforms (NOT in Kindle Unlimited). You can also buy directly from the author at www.thomaskcarpenterbooks.com.
Final Word
The Reluctant Assassin is a magical character study wrapped in assassin noir, set in a dangerous world of arcane secrets. It's perfect for fans who want their fantasy with bite, heart, and just enough shadow to keep them turning pages long into the night.
