Passion's magic ignites a fire too hot to touch-—nd too wicked to die . . .
The stars have always called to Ailis, beckoning her to see what other realms were out there. She's told it's impossible, but that doesn't stop her need to explore beyond what others believe. Ailis never expected to change history by creating the first doorway to another realm. She certainly never imagined opening that door to find a commanding dragon who shifts into a man. She's irresistibly drawn to Lennox, powerless against the yearning of her body and the longing of her heart.
Magic might have chosen Lennox as King of Dragon Kings, but it's a position he's never wanted. Until the day a new being arrives—and irrevocably changes his life. The closer he gets to the fearless, ravishing woman, the more he fights the passion that flares between them. He lives only for his duty, but one fiery kiss unleashes a firestorm of desire that will ripple across eons and realms. Fate might have brought them together, but will it also tear them apart?
The origins of the Dark Kings/Dragon Kings and the entire Dark Universe is finally revealed.
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
Having enjoyed the Dragon Kings books immensely I kind of stopped reading them recently so I was very interested in an origin story, sort of a prequel I guess. This actually was a delight to read and has reignited my interest in continuing to read this series which is obviously a good thing. Ailis is what I can only describe as a Fae with a yearning to explore and her explorations take her to a world populated by Dragons ! Of course the first one she meets is Lennox and wouldn't you know it he's the King of all Dragons but his subjects are just as fiery as you'd imagine and his role is one that's hard to bare . So meeting this tiny female is his first shock but actually changing form to look almost like a male version of her now that creates all manner of possibilities ! This was fun, romantic and yet poignant at times. I greatly enjoyed this couple's deep feelings for each other and was totally bamboozled by Ailis willingly subjecting herself to the possibility of a lonely life. The path of true love was smooth without a doubt but there is loss and sacrifice. A Dragon Queen is definitely what Ailis should be without a doubt but that's not exactly what we get here although I know sometimes sacrifices are most definitely worth it. Well written, a little mystery and a lot of love makes this a book to make this old romantic very happy. This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Ignite The Magic 8/15/23 The Moment It All Changed… Ignite the Magic is the Dragon Kings origin tale that Donna Grant’s loyal readers did not know we needed, but when we heard we were getting it we were ravenous for the details. Ailis, a Dark Fae, is a wanderer at heart - she has heard tales of being able to create a doorway to another realm. When her aunt dies, she knows there is no place for her on the Fae realm with all the fighting between the Light & Dark. So, she decides she will do what she can to get the knowledge she needs to go on this next adventure. Lennox, the King of Silvers, as well as the King of Kings, has yet to find his mate. He comes upon a creature that he knows is foreign to his land & the unthinkable happens, his body changes to match the new creature. The magic of the realm gives him the ability to understand her. He decides to let Ailis stay for now – he is intrigued by her and will learn about her as she learns about his world. Lennox could not have known how much his world was going to change. When an issue comes up regarding dragons finding mates across clans, Lennox tries to be open minded and fair. He wonders if he is more sensitive to this issue since he did not find his mate among his clan of Silvers. Also, since Ailis’ arrival, he has found his attraction & need for her has grown to be all-consuming. He wants to make the best decision for all the dragons, not just for himself. Did Fate bring Ailis & Lennox together to change the dragon’s set ways & prejudices about clans intermingling? Was it all doomed from the start? How do we get from Lennox & Ailis falling in love to Melisse being the secret weapon? How are we supposed to survive until Donna Grant finally gives us Melisse & Henry’s story? As always, Donna Grant wove a great story but left us with enough wonder & mystery to have us eagerly anticipating the next part of the tale.
This book takes us back to where it all started and truly ignites the magic that is this spell-binding series.
From the very first page this book was just pure magic. It felt almost like discovering the diary of your great-great-great… grandmother and living life through her eyes. Ailis had no idea what was waiting for her on the other side of that portal, but she embraced the adventure with everything in her. She took it all in stride, never cursing fate for the situation she was put in.
It was brilliant seeing where it all began, the first time a Dragon King shifted into human form. My heart just ached so much for the way Lennox and Ailis had to hide their love. But despite that, Lennox was still able to share his world with her in various ways.
The magic causing the first Kings to shift and the conflict between the clans are a portent of the battles the Dragon Kings still have ahead of them. The ending presents so much hope, despite the reader knowing what comes next for the dragons.
I can highly recommend this book and this entire series if you like dragons, magic, fae, and steamy romance. This book can be read on its own. It might have a bit more meaning if you’ve already read some of the Dragon Kings’ books.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had a feeling I need to DNF it and I ignored my calling.
Honestly the best surprise ever in this book was the fact that my kindle said it’s 318 pages, and the story ended at page 277. The rest is author’s note and sneak peaks into the series.
I am so disappointed I have no words for it.
Dragon shifters, magic, fantasy worlds, traveling realms, exploring, adventure. That was what I was expecting…
What did I get? Let me tell you:
FMC creates a portal to another realm that no one has ever achieved, and most of anyone who attempted, died. (Except maybe one? But we never know.)
After arriving to a new world *Earth* and exploring for a few hours, FMC meets MC, there are some exchange of the difference between their worlds and culture. It was the dragon’s first time shifting into mortal form, exploring the new mortal senses, - especially touching things with soft, not scaled hands -and it was all good until this point.
Then FMC is brought to the dragon’s cave for her safety and she NEVER. FUCKING. LEAVES. (Maybe 2 underwhelming times to be in other fucking caves, and another few times to see the sky but it does not even count or matter at this point.)
Fuck the adventure, fuck exploring, just fuck with a dragon.
The only living things the FMC meets is a squirrel at the beginning, the MC, MC’s bestie Ostrich - aka Osric, but my brain could never help itself - who she talks to like 3 times, and a snow fox or whatever.
FMC does not even have to leave the cave, cause she has *magic* and she can magically do anything from eating, showering, dressing up and down, summoning candles, a bed, wiping her ass an etc… BUT she cannot camouflage herself to actually get out that damned cave. How convenient. Or inconvenient? I don’t even know anymore.
There are some racist dragon politics between the clans and how no one can be mated outside their clan due to the color of their scales and such. But the conclusion? “It’s wrong and it shouldn’t be, and oh my god, and I don’t know, let’s make an inclusive new clan, but oh my god, and I don’t know, let’s go back to the cave”
How on *Earth* is this 4+ stars?!
It was lacking everything! Especially creativity. So maybe, the rest of the og series is really good, and this was just pushed as a “standalone” prequel to milk it some more or idk, but if that’s the case, this could have been summed up as a 50 page novella. I might check out some other books from this series but I’ll be ready to DNF it.
If I could give 0 stars, I would. I guess I’ll give my 1 star for the writing.
Prequels after such a long run of a series are always a little bit tricky, because we as readers are so invested in our thoughts on the series and the characters we know so well, but Donna Grant knew she needed to write the story and went and gave us a story we could all enjoy without finding too much to whine about. Ailis makes her great escape from a realm that has never really had a place for her, only to find herself in a world where she is truly unique and will be for a long time. But she quickly stumbles on the one being in the universe Fated for her and Lennox proves to her quickly that their differences are less important than their similarities. Lennox never imagined he’d stumble onto a tiny creature that would change not only him irrevocably but the entire world for him and his people. While their love might never see the full light of the sun, it will never be forgotten and leads to the birth of the very first Dragon Queen, even if her people aren’t truly aware of her for millennia to come. I loved every moment of this story, from the laughter to the tears, the fear and pain, and even the suspense and drama. I know that the ending we got doesn’t represent the true ending for these two, because we will learn so much more in coming novels, but I like to think now that they have their love and the love of their daughter they will have long and happy lives together, even if no one else on the realm knows it but the three of them. I am really looking forward to Melisse’s story next year and any other novels or novellas that come in between, but for now I will just bask in the glow of the love between this beautiful and sweet Fae and her brave and loving Dragon King. Long live the King and Queen, and may their love burn bright for many long millennia. Thank you for the memories, Donna!
I can't turn off my brain after reading Ignite the Magic. Simply stated, it was magical. I want more prequel. I want the story to continue in a new series. I became completely invested in the characters. The author sucked me into all of the drama (and there was lots of drama) and now I find myself wanting more. I know I will be begging for more.
The story takes place a long, long, long time ago. Dragons of every color populate the Earth. There are no humans living among them. There are no fae living among them. Each clan has a king and the kings have a king that rules over them all.
As a Reader of the Dragon Kings I thought I knew the history of Dragon Kings. I thought I understood how the kings began to shift and communicate with humans on Earth. I thought that I grasped how the Dragons lived before the war on Earth. I knew nothing. I am now only beginning to understand. I have a lot more to learn.
Dragons lived and loved on earth. They communicated with one another telepathically. They had rules, laws, traditions and a hierarchy. Many dragons were satisfied with the way things were. They saw no need for change. But things are changing. Things are getting interesting. I became addicted to what was happening. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I couldn't put the book down. There was so much going on that I didn't want the story to end.
All it took was dragons wanting to mate across clans for things to get interesting. The mixing of clans was prohibited. All it took was one fae creating a door between realms. A clash of magic makes for some very interesting events. I could feel the tension among the clans. I stressed over the actions of the opinionated. I braced for what was to come. Grab the popcorn. You will need it for the battle scenes.
Lennox, the King of Kings, has his hands full. He needs to get control of the different clans. As he tries to save his dragons, his own life has taken a major turn. Ailis has created a fae door and come to Earth to explore. Neither she or Lennox knew what Earth's magic had in store for them. If Lennox thought life was challenging before, can you imagine trying to rule your dragons while knowing you are violate the basic laws of being a dragon?
The magic of Earth is creating change. The magic of Earth is adapting. Yet, the magic is only affecting a select few. Acceptance takes time. Time that Ailis and Lennox might not have. They will only survive if they live in secret. Their mating must remain a secret. Their love must remain a secret. Ailis's existence must remain a secret. How long they succeed and what will happen in the meantime is anyone's guess.
08/15/23 Thrilled when this arrived on my kindle at 9 pm. I couldn't resist reread. So good.
This was my first book that I've read by Donna Grant and it reminded me why I fell in love with paranormal/supernatural romance in the first place.
I loved every moment of this book. I was so fascinated by the world that she created for both that Fae and Dragons. The love between the characters I felt was perfectly done. They had instant attraction, instant sexual motivations but it was done in such a tasteful way. I didn't feel like their relationship was thrown in my face like I've experienced in some other books. I felt like everything progressed naturally for the characters and for the world that they lived in.
The conflict that the characters faced was a difficult one to navigate, and I feel as though they did a great job as handling it the best they could. I do feel that this is only the beginning for them and I'm excited to see where their story leads us in the main series.
Thank-you Donna and NetGalley for allowing me to explore such a wonderful world. I can't wait to see what more is in store!
Wow! This was an amazing standalone from the dragon kings series. I absolutely loved Lennox and Ailis's story. It was a wonderful book that took us on an amazing adventure chalked full of dragons.
Can't wait to learn more about them from future books.
Ailis is a Fae who is alone in the world. She’s always been an adventurer. After the death of her only living relative, Ailis decided to embark on an adventure few have survived. Lennox is King of the Silver Dragons and King of Dragon Kings. Things for the dragons have been the same for centuries. Lennox is about to try a new way of ruling. When Ailis succeeds in opening a doorway into another realm, lives will be changed forever when she meets Lennox and they Ignite the Magic between them and worlds.
Ignite the Magic is the seventh book in Donna Grant’s Dragon King series. A Dark Fae who loves adventure is about to have the one of a lifetime. Alone in the world she’s determined to gain enough magic and knowledge to open a doorway into another realm. When Ailis succeeds, her life becomes more than she thought with a trip through a doorway to Earth. She meets dragons and especially the King of Silvers also the King of King of Dragons, Lennox. As they become learn about each other and their species, they find common situations. Ignite the Magic is the prelude to the current Dragon Kings books and shows how they came to be in their current evolvement. It shows how two different species are more alike than they realize as well as dealing with the bias of a interspecies mating between the dragons. Lennox gets a different perspective on the whole situation when his personal life mirrors that of two of his dragons with the addition of Ailis. Donna Grant’s Ignite the Magic is the origin story of a much beloved character in the series by showing the story of her parents. Donna Grant writes a story of passion, danger, upheaval, along with secrets and finding the dream you didn’t know existed. She takes a lonely adventurer and gives her the biggest adventure of her life by giving her love. A dragon learns a new way of life when a visitor to his world captures his heart and has him making changes that will affect the lives of his dragons forever. Grant also shows her fans how the Dragon Kings shifting into human form came about and how maybe the Fae started to find their way to Earth. This origin story is a great way to find out how the modern Dragon Kings came to be formed and a must for Donna Grant fans who love her Dark World and Dragon series. Ignite the Magic by Donna Grant a must for her legion of fans and a great way to learn the start of a beloved character.
A Pre-History Novel This is a prequel to the Dark Kings books, but also the Dark Sword and Dark Warriors. It is a story of the Dragons on Earth, when there are only dragons. We learn about them, their Kings, and the King of Dragon Kings. In particular we meet Lennox, the King of Silvers and the King of Kings. And we also meet a Fae, a Dark Fae named Allis, who has been watching her world, inhabited by both Dark and Light Fae start to fall apart and into war. She’s alone with no living family, and decides she is going to try and create a Fae Doorway, something no other Fae has been able to accomplish. Either she creates it or dies trying, but she has to get away from her world. This is the set-up Donna Grant has written to introduce us to our two main characters. Lennox, the strongest dragon on Earth, has underlying compassion and intelligence. Allis is a frightened woman who truly only wants to explore new places as her aunt had encouraged her to before her death. This is a must read if you’re a fan of Donna’s Dark Universe and gives us some history of an important character who we’ve all been waiting for their story. Mind! Donna Grant doesn’t give us all the information we want in this book, which gave me more questions, but it does tell us how things were playing out for our Dragons before humans enter onto the scene. Well written as always, my only negative is that the middle of the book seemed to go on and on longer than it needed. But the overall story is 5 Stars. I was given and ARC by the author, and this is my honest opinion.
IGNITE THE MAGIC is a prequel story to the Dark Kings and the Dragon Kings series. As a fan of both, I was very intrigued by this because it’s not often that Grant returns to the beginning of a story.
I thought this story was a lovely one as it brought greater insight into the worldbuilding and the characters. It felt like an extra treat as you can get a deeper understanding of the characters. While it’s important to have read the other books in this series, the prequel does offer depth to the overall story arc that Grant is trying to create, so I very much enjoyed it.
As always, I love the way she writes and how she develops her characters. They are so interesting and never too over-the-top. All are admirable characters that you can’t help but love.
For readers new to this series, I think it’ll be a fun and entertaining read. But I think the loyal readers like me will enjoy this even more because of the fact that it holds so much more details to the characters and world that we already love.
Long long ago, when dragons couldn't shift and Fae ruled their own realm...Ignite the Magic is the beginning or should I say Melisse's parents story. Lennox and Ailis are Melisse's parents, main leads in this story. DG brings us back before the Fae wars destroyed their realm before Dragons could shift. Its the start in a way, DG gives us so much information but lots of questions unanswered. I don't want to give out spoilers or say to much, this story needs to be read. DG is setting us up for Melisse and Henry's story and I believe so much more. Ignite the Magic is filled with love, angst, sexy times and most of all the Magic. So I suggest picking up a copy, sitting down with your favorite beverage and digging in to the world of Dragons, Fae and Magic. Happy Reading 📚
Ignite the Magic is the story of how the fae and dragon kings first meet. Ailis is a dark fae, but is kind and not the normal selfish, evil type with that group of fae, which is why she has always felt like she didn’t fit in anywhere. She has always wanted to open a doorway to a new realm and after researching, she stole a book that would help her do what everyone said was impossible. When she got to the new realm, a dragon was one of the first things she sees and it somehow transforms into a human so they could communicate. Lennox was king of the silver dragons and he was also the king of all the dragon kings. He takes her to his cave so she will be safe while they talk. They know almost right away that there is a connection between them, but how would they ever make a relationship work? There is drama from dragon clans, friendships, heartache, and undeniable love in this wonderful story. It is a beautiful tale of new beginnings along with a worrisome prediction for a new life. I love this magical world that Donna Grant has created!
Ignite the Magic: WOW that’s all I can say this was one of the most magical books I have read in the series.
Donna Grant has outdone herself with this latest book the prequel to the amazing world of the Dragon Kings. This book takes you on the journey with a beautiful Fae Ailis finally being able to travel to another realm only to discover the one thing she never dreamed of yes a dragon.
Lennox the King of Dragon Kings is patrolling an area on Earth when he sees a beautiful being never seen before in his realm. The attraction is instant causing everything he thought he knew into a spin shifting for the first time in the same moment. From this moment nothing will ever be the same on Lennox’s realm.
This was such an amazing part of the series I couldn’t put it down. Donna Grant your imagination never ceases to amaze me. I give this book 5 stars and I can’t wait for future additions in Donna Grant’s many different genres.
Wow! I have loved the Dragon King series from the characters to the world building between realms. However, this story touched my soul. The love, the sacrifice and the characters were amazing. The poignant storyline had me so engrossed. I hated to put it down. I don’t want to give anything away, you need to just read it. I can’t wait for Maliese and Henry’s story.
Ailis has never felt like she belonged on the fae realm. Other realms have been talked and written about but no one has ever been. She has been practicing her magic and creates a door. A little scared to go through, not knowing if she would make it through or not, she opens the door and is greeted with beauty. Also she finds a dragon.
Lennox is the King of Dragon Kings and King of the Silvers. Lennox is shocked to see a different species in front of him. When all of the sudden, he starts to shift and turns into a human. He is able to talk and understand her. She explains who she is and how she got there.
Their problems is in a world full of dragons they can never come out to the other dragons or let them know she is there. Dragons getting mated to other clans is forbidden. One couple comes forward, from different clans, wanting to mate but there are those against it and some for it. It's up to Lennox to either keep their old ways or start a new clan for anyone who wants to join it.
This shows the beginning of the Dragon Kings. Shows you how it started. Secrets. Sex. Mates. Opposites do attract. Neither are willing to give each other up. Excellent story. Might need some tissues for crying.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed for the author and received from Bookfunnel*
Wow! Just Wow!!! if you have read the Dragon King series, or want to start a new great series, you have to read this book. This book is the beginning of everything in the Dragon King series. This book is superb reading, and I loved it. Even after I finished reading this book, I found myself thinking about parts of it over and over again. Great characters and a great love story.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant delivers an epic prequel to her long-running and critically acclaimed Dark Universe series.
Passion’s magic ignites a fire too hot to touch—and too wicked to die…
The stars have always called to Ailis, beckoning her to see what other realms were out there. She’s told its impossible, but that doesn’t stop her need to explore beyond what others believe. Ailis never expected to change history by creating the first doorway to another realm. She certainly never imagined opening that door to find a commanding dragon who shifts into a man. She’s irresistibly drawn to Lennox, powerless against the yearning of her body and the longing of her heart.
Magic might have chosen Lennox as King of Dragon Kings, but it’s a position he’s never wanted. Until the day a new being arrives—and irrevocably changes his life. The closer he gets to the fearless, ravishing woman, the more he fights the passion that flares between them. He lives only for his duty, but one fiery kiss unleashes a firestorm of desire that will ripple across eons and realms. Fate might have brought them together, but will it also tear them apart?
The origins of the Dark Kings/Dragon Kings and the entire Dark Universe is finally revealed.
Lennox knew every creature on the realm, and the one before him wasn’t one of them. The being was small, seemingly harmless, but underestimating her would be his folly. He climbed out of the water, intending to investigate this new arrival—and what it wanted. His duty was to protect the dragons and the realm itself—from anything he deemed a threat. And until he knew differently, the newcomer was exactly that. While he didn’t know what it was yet, his magic informed him that it was female. He took in her exotic look, finding it surprisingly appealing. Her thick hair fell nearly to her hips, the black strands woven with bright silver. Her oval face was both delicate and fierce—a combination that utterly intrigued him. Her crimson eyes were ringed in black, making her thick, midnight lashes more pronounced. She had high cheekbones, a stubborn tilt to her chin, and lips that drew his gaze again and again. She wore garments to cover herself, which he found curious. Though he had to admit he liked the way they contoured to her body, showcasing every amazing curve. The article closest to her skin was so dark a green it was nearly black. Over that was a piece of black leather laced up her front to end in a V at her breasts, showing the green beneath it and then her beige skin. Draped across her body was a length of leather with a bag attached at the end. Her legs were encased in black with material that looked as supple and pliable as skin. Her feet were also covered in leather, albeit thicker, the material going all the way up to her knees. His gaze moved back to her mouth as she spoke. He frowned as he listened to the inaudible words. Lennox then noticed the iridescent orbs in each of her hands. He immediately realized it was magic of some sort. So, this female had magic as dragons did. Interesting. She spoke again, and his power began to decipher the words. “…well? Get on with it,” she demanded. Lennox fought not to smile at her pluck. He wanted to talk to her, but dragons didn’t communicate as she did. No sooner had the thought gone through his mind than pain shot through him. Bones snapped, and muscles and ligaments tore. A bellow locked in his throat at the agony. It felt like it went on forever, and then it was just…gone. He suddenly found himself no longer towering over the female. Lennox glanced down at himself to see that he looked like her. That wasn’t possible. He lifted his hands, expecting to see his long talons, but they were gone. As were his scales. “Bloody hell,” she murmured, her voice soft with surprise. He knew he was stunned. This had never happened before. He swallowed and worked his mouth as she continued eyeing him suspiciously. Lennox wanted to move, but he was still testing his new body. The last thing he wanted was to fall flat on his face. The female might just use those balls of magic on him. Lennox flexed his fingers and squeezed his toes in the rocks that lined the shore. He rotated his shoulders before stilling as something landed against his cheek. He reached up to feel it. He tugged but discovered it was attached to his head. “That’s your hair,” the female stated. He looked at her black and silver locks and tried to see his. To his surprise, he could move it around enough to see that it was a golden hue. “You understand me?” Lennox’s gaze slid to her as he nodded. But he didn’t try for words. He touched his face. His long snout and sharp teeth were gone. Once more, hands drew his gaze. He rubbed his fingers along his thumb, captivated by the feeling. This was entirely different than what he experienced in his other form. There were thousands more sensations, each demanding his attention.
This is the prequel to one of the newer characters in the Dark Kings Universe. One that has given risen to many questions. Ms. Grant has given us some of the answers her long time readers have sought, and in her usual way, has given us many more questions.
Ailis is not like any other Dark Fae. She's an explorer at heart, happy to be roaming the Fae realm. She's heard of a book that details the traversal of realms and has sought it out. When the owner refused to let her buy or borrow the book, she does what any Dark would do. She steals it. Only catch is that the book was owned by the Dark King's sister, and she's now hunted. She has to create a doorway into another realm to escape her fate for her crime.
Lennox is the King of Dragon Kings. Though it's not what he would have chosen for himself. While in flight one day, he catches the new being on the planet, one the likes of which he's never seen before. As he gets closer, he feels the pain rip through his body and is shocked to see himself in the same form as the being in front of him.
As Ailis and Lennox grow closer to and learn more from each each other, so grows the passion between them. But can there be a future when they are both from different worlds?
Spoilers ahead, so stop reading if you don't want them!
. . . . . . This was a very well written book, but yet, I'm torn. I'll be honest (as all reviews should be!), but the beginning was a bit slow for me. The whole "from a different realm" and "two different species" thing dragged on a bit long. I was over it the first time each character mentioned it.
The added tension of two dragons from different clans being mates and the resulting issues from that was not something I expected. While I enjoyed watching it unfold, I could not help but think this was something added in to "prove" that the dragons would not accept Ailis.
Then there was the birthing and Ailis' muttered "Catch....them." Them? As in plural or just a general word used when the gender was unknown? I'd like to think it was a general word used, but it did cause me to think a bit more. Plus, there was no other mention about a sibling.
The biggest question that is in my mind with all this: Why is Melisses' dragon color Violet when her sire's was Silver? In a note at the beginning of the book, Ms. Grant states Melisse's book will be released Summer of 2024, and I'm hoping to get the answers that are tumbling in my head with this much anticipated story.
We are given a Happy For Now story, as those of us that have been reading the Dark Universe for a long while know. I find I'm good with the HFN.
Ignite the Magic is a prequel to the Dark Kings / Dragon Kings. Ailis had traveled the Fae realm and after her Aunt died she became obsessed with traveling to other realms through doorways. She spent years researching how to open a door - ultimately “borrowing” the last remaining edition of a book from the King’s sister. Ailis’ borrowing the book was discovered quickly and the Royal Guards were hot on her trail when she opened the doorway to Earth and went through hoping for the best.
Ailis quickly discovered that Dragons were real, and accidentally came upon a silver dragon in a loch. That Dragon was the King of Kings - Lennox. Lennox was intrigued and concerned that an unknown species had come to Earth and may pose a risk to the Dragons. For the first time a Dragon King shapeshifted so that they could communicate with another unknown being. Lennox took Ailis to his mountain so that they could learn from each other before introducing Ailis to the other Kings since they may view Ailis’ arrival as extremely dangerous to their clans and the planet.
While Lennox and Ailis get closer and realize that they’re fated, Lennox is faced with a challenge of two young star-crossed dragons that are mates. Mating with dragons from different clans has been prohibited. Dragon’s without their mates essentially wither away and die a painful death and the Yellow King alerted Lennox to this challenge. Since Lennox is facing an even larger challenge since his mate isn’t even a dragon, he’s more open to considering changes to enable dragons that find their mates in a different clan to be together. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes while Lennox is talking to Dragons around the realm and the two star-crossed lovers are murdered, igniting revolts across the clans between Dragons who think that it's time for a change and that Dragon’s should be allowed to find their mates from other clans, and the Dragon’s who disagree.
As a result of the revolts, Lennox and Ailis realize that they’ll need to keep Ailis’ presence on Earth a secret as the majority of the Kings would not be open to even considering allowing a traveler from another realm to be the King of Kings mate, and that they may ultimately argue for her death. While Lennox and Ailis are committed to one another, their lives together will need to be secret.
Ignite the Magic introduces us to the Dragon Kings and Dragons before they left Earth and I’m hoping that we’ll see more about Lennox and Ailis’ story in Melisse's book....
When Donna Grant announced she was writing an origin story for her mesmerizing world of Dragon Kings my immediate response was "bring it on". IGNITE THE MAGIC was pure magic, an epic love story, a chance to see the dragons when they were free to roam their world. It was a story we needed without realising it.
Ailis is a Dark Fae who always felt she never quite belonged. After the death of her aunt and the constant battles between the Dark and Light Fae, Ailis dreams of escaping. She's heard of the possibility to create doorways to other realms, and being a roamer decides to make her own. She 'acquires' a book to teach her, strengthens her magic, and follows her dreams. Little did she realise her doorway would lead to a realm inhabited by dragons. Lennox, King of Silvers and King of all Dragon Kings, never knew how his life would change when he comes across Ailis. She intrigued him, yet he was also wary of her, especially when he unexpectedly begins to shift into human form, the first ever shift by a dragon. Magic was working its wonders, enabling Lennox and Ailis to communicate. As they begin to share their stories, the connection between them deepens, a love develops that surprises them both. Did Fate bring them together? If so, why?
While Lennox and Ailis' feelings toward each other grows, Lennox is fighting a battle with his dragons. Interclan relationships are frowned upon, but two young dragons from different clans claim each other as their mates. Lennox has a decision to make, one that could lead to civil war amongst the clans. His compassion, intelligence, and understanding of the situation explains why he is the King of Kings.
There was so much to learn about the dragons in this story, their beliefs, cohabitation, their rules. It answers some questions about the past while raising many questions about the future. One special moment in Lennox and Ailis' story was the birth of the only Dragon Queen in existence. Now Donna has me anxiously waiting for the story of Melisse. I can't wait to learn what happened to her over the years.
IGNITE THE MAGIC was emotional, heartbreaking, inspiring, a look into the past and how is could shape the future. Donna's imagination, her words, held me captivated, had me sighing, laughing, and shedding a few tears. Another superb addition to this magnificent world, a world I highly recommend entering.
Lennox is the Dragon King of the Silver and the King of the Dragon Kings, the latter a duty he never wanted. He encounters a strange yet beautiful being who changes his life forever. Lennox knows a relationship between them is taboo, but he cannot ignore the fact that Ailis is his mate. He worries about how his brethren will react to her. Can Lennox find a way for the dragons to accept Ailis? Or will he be forced to give her up? Ailis is a Dark Fae, who never really felt as if she belonged to her realm. She takes a gamble and opens a doorway to a new world. As she explores this unfamiliar place, Ailis comes face-to-face with a dragon. They agree to teach the other about their people and their way. However, she never expected passion to blaze between them. Will Ailis’ presence herald a change for the dragons? Or will she cause a cataclysmic divide? I like how well Lennox and Ailis complimented each other. They showed what a united team could do when they worked together, despite being from two different races. Ailis willingly helped Lennox find solutions to the problems that arose from his people. She wanted to keep him and the dragons from following in her people’s disastrous footsteps. I admire Ailis for not wanting to stand between Lennox and his duty to his dragons. She encouraged him to think of them first before herself. I love how easily Lennox listened to Ailis’ counsel. He weighed what she told him carefully; he never once shut her out. IGNITE THE MAGIC is a prequel novel to Donna Grant’s popular and long-running series, DARK KINGS. This is the story about Melisse’ parents – the half fae, half dragon we met in the series. The first half of the book explains the catalyst behind Ailis’ reasons for coming to earth. The story also shows the Dragon Kings (two for now) first transformation into human form, and how they learn to navigate this new ability and form. A lot is still unknown to them.
Wow! Some answers, more questions. This prequel to the Dark Kings, Dark Warriors series left me reeling. When you have to spend a few days processing a book in order to write about it, you have something special. This is the story of Lennox, a Dragon King, and King of Dragon Kings. It takes place eons before the current timeline, but ties very importantly into the story of Melisse, a Dragon Queen who has yet to have her story told. He discovers a being on his world (Earth) who does not belong. He is beautiful and intriguing and he suddenly finds himself changing form so he can communicate with her. Ailis is a fae, in particular a Dark Fae, but she doesn’t feel as though she belongs with her people or anywhere on her realm. Her restlessness and adventurous nature cause her to find her way to a new realm and discover her destiny. The friendship and love they develop despite their differences, and the fact that his people cannot discover that she is on their world, is all-encompassing. Can they overcome their differences and challenges to be together? I will admit to a great deal of trepidation and mixed feelings as I began this book. That's sometimes the problem with prequels. We know , or THINK we know what will happen in the future. Eventually, I allowed myself to sink into the story, and enjoy the love, friendships, and descriptive writing that is Grant’s wheelhouse. I’m so happy that I did. This story can be read as a stand alone, but be warned. You’ll want to binge the series and their spinoffs, and you’ll be happy that you did. I will anxiously await the next book which will delve way into the future to finally tell the story of two great characters who have been waiting a long time for their story to be told. Anyone have a time machine handy?
Series: Dark Kings #0 Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This book takes us back to the very beginning of the Dark Kings universe with the original couple, that no one knew about until the discovery of Melisse. Ailis has always dreamed of visiting other realms and she finally achieves that dream when she creates a doorway to Earth, and the dragon kings. There she meets King of the Dragons Lennox and falls hard for him, even if their relationship never would work.
This was a good origin story. Ailis and Lennox had instant attraction and chemistry that brought out all the feelings. Their relationship was not an easy one because no one could know about it for fear of an uprising or invasion from the fae. I liked from the very beginning that these two were very honest with each other and knew that their relationship had to stay hidden. Their relationship isn’t easy but they made it work, which just showed the strength of their love for each other.
My issues with this book are that the middle dragged a bit because they were spending so much time apart due to what was happening to the dragons. Also while I know Ailis understood that she needed to stay hidden, I find it kind of unbelievable that she wouldn’t try to leave the cave since she was an explorer. Yes, Lennox does find ways to show her his world but I don’t see that being enough for someone as adventurous as Ailis. But, I still enjoyed their story, both the happy times and the sad.
Overall, this was a great origin story and provides us with more information about why Melisse was an unknown for so long. I look forward to reading Melisse’s book and learning more about her childhood.
Content warnings: on page miscarriage; pregnancy; death; grief
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
If you are familiar with the Dragon Kings, this is a prequel to their series. This is the story of Lennox and Allis and the struggles they had to endure to be together. The book takes place long, before Constantine, Ulrick or any of the Dragons Kings we know and love. Allis, who is a Dark Fae, with an inquisitive nature, stole a book, and used a spell to open the door to another world, which lead her to Earth. Since this was the first time anyone has succeeded in opening a door, she had no idea where she was or what to expect. It was not long before she saw a huge dragon that both frighten and excited her. Lennox, who is the King of Dragon Kings, knew there was a disturbance in the realm’s magic, was not sure what to make of Allis. She was a being he never encountered, but knew, there was a possible threat to Earth and his Dragons. His encounter with Allis was a magical one, because it was the first time he shifted into human form. After the shock of shifting wore off, Lennox found he was able to communicate with Allis and eventually realized she was not a threat. Feelings started to develop between the two, but until they were able to explain her presence, they realized Allis must stay hidden. Lennox, also realized the Allis was his mate and knew that explaining her would be challenging. As a rule, the Dragons do not mate outside of their Clans and mating someone not of Earth, would really be unacceptable. Although, this was an enjoyable read, there are parts that were very sad. This book has also left me with questions that will, hopefully, be answered in the next book. If you are a fan of the Dragon Kings, I highly recommend this prequel, if not, it is a good start into the Dragon Kings World.
Ignite the Magic is an intense and spectacular bridge between two incredible series. Nothing is quite like seeing two breathtaking series converge and meld into a seamless bridge. It's like watching a life take shape while you are left breathless and in awe. This is a gift beyond measure, and in turn I give Grant my highest in esteem with her extraordinary mastery of the paranormal craft.
Ailis has longed to find something that she can't name. She has searched fervently for a missing piece of her very soul. When she miraculously has the breakthrough that she has been waiting for nothing is ever the same again. Lennox shoulders a very heavy burden. As King of Dragon Kings, he is charged with taking care of all of the dragoms on Earth. His hope for a mate has proven fruitless, so he puts all his concentration and heart into his people. When Ailis upsets his world, will he see her as the blessing that she is, or will he turn her away with his suspicions of an imminent attack?
Lennox has more then his share of problems to deal with not counting covering over his disappointment in not finding a mate as he longed for. Ailis challenges and brightens his world in ways he never thought possible. Lennox not only intrigues Ailis, he opens her eyes to the impossible, and she doesn't know how she can thank him. All she knows how to do is to open her heart to him, and through her caring and wonder, she finds the one thing she has been truly searching for all this time.
Donna Grant really knows how to capture and hold my attention, my heart, and my soul into all of her books. I hate to put down her books and go back to normal life. Being immersed in one of her stories is like Heaven on Earth. You want to hold it in your hands for as long as you possibly can.