“Richard: The Dragon's Curse” is the third installment in Michael W. Hickman's epic Richard series, a sweeping science fiction fantasy that blends high-stakes galactic politics with personal heroism and interdimensional adventure. The narrative centers on King Richard, the young, rightful heir to a galaxy-spanning kingdom, who faces a twin crisis: a political betrayal from within and an ancient, cosmic threat from beyond. The core conflict begins with the menacing golden-scaled dragon emperor, Askook, anticipating the dragons' catastrophic return to the Milky Way, while Richard is betrayed by the industrial magnate Antonius and targeted by the humanoid fox assassin, Raider. The story follows Richard's evolution from a reluctant ruler to a determined leader as he fights to save his kingdom and protect his family—especially his pregnant wife, Amber—from annihilation.

The political machinations start with Richard's betrayal by Antonius, who drugs him with the intent to hand him over to the villainous Senator Spartacus. This early deception necessitates a clever tactic: Richard's protector, AAL, rescues the true king, while Richard's double, Henry, takes his place to ensure Antonius's capture. This dual existence and the struggle to protect his family and kingdom grounds Richard's arc in personal determination.

The middle of the book escalates the tension. An assassination attempt on Amber during Richard's coronation tragically highlights the animosity between human and non-human races within the kingdom—a theme that adds depth to the political backdrop. The discovery that the crucial dragon ring, required for sealing the interdimensional rift, is missing ratchets up the existential dread. As the dragons' breakthrough approaches, Richard orders an evacuation and, in a moment of heroism and sacrifice, remains on the planet Krel with Olympus and AAL to confront the great nemesis. Their subsequent journey through the rift, where they encounter dragons seeking peace, offers a twist, moving the conflict beyond a simple good versus evil paradigm. Richard's resourceful escape and return to his wife merges the cosmic stakes with the deeply personal.

The resolution provides an open-ended conclusion. Richard and Andreas find a new planet for the peaceful dragons and thereby gain their powerful loyalty. Richard confronts the ongoing political challenges posed by Spartacus, asserting his authority with a powerful call for unity. The book concludes with Richard and Amber navigating the complexities of their new lives as parents and rulers, preparing for Richard's official ascension. The final note is one of determined hope, as Richard stands ready to protect his family and kingdom from any future threat.

“Richard: The Dragon's Curse” is a blend of science fiction and fantasy, offering an imagined universe filled with political intrigue, and epic, action-packed battles. Hickman crafts a universe where mythological creatures and advanced technology coexist, giving the series its unique, engaging flavor.

With its themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for power, it is a thought-provoking continuation of the series.