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All The King's Men #6
All the King's Men: The Beginning
All the King's Men - Book 6
This book is a prequel. Reading the first five books of the series will greatly enhance your reading experience of this book.
The All the King's Men Series was GraveTells' Reviewers' Choice for 2013 Series of the Year
"If you've been waiting for the next Black Dagger Brotherhood, this is it…" -GraveTells
Micah Black is a vampire in trouble. He already lost one mate in the Middle Ages and barely survived her passing. Now, he's about to lose another, and this time it could kill him. Except he's not entirely convinced he has actually mated Jackson. Too many questions surround their relationship, because Jackson never returned the mating bond, which makes their pairing an anomaly. Then there's Scarlet, the mysterious and sexy exotic dancer Micah can't forget, who he saw perform for the first time the night he and Jackson met. Micah wishes for one night with Scarlet, which is not the way a mated male is supposed to behave. But for months, as Jackson has slipped further away, Micah hasn't been able to stop thinking about her. If only he had more time, he could explore how he feels for Scarlet, but with Jackson halfway out the door, Micah knows time is one luxury he doesn't have. When Jackson leaves for good and re-opens the emotional chasm Micah fell into after his first mate's death, suffering will claim him, and this time he won't survive.
In this prequel to the award-winning All the King's Men Series, readers see what occurred in the weeks leading up to the novel, Rise of the Fallen, which was the first in this exciting paranormal series that introduced readers to a new world of vampires and shifters. In Rise of the Fallen, you met Micah and the rest of the alpha males of AKM. Now, see how the pieces aligned to set Micah on his path to self-destruction and eventual resurrection in the story that readers fell in love with.
All your favorite characters and villains of the first five books are back, and you'll get a glimpse into how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as a peek at how the drecks plan to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You will also get an intimate glimpse of Tristan's and Josie's love for one another, as well as witness King Bain in his complex roles as leader, father, and mate. Every AKM fan will find something to love in this prequel, which provides vital information to set up the remainder of the series as it winds its way toward the two upcoming sister series, as well as the next generation.
This book contains strong adult content, references to bisexuality, and explicit sexual material.
Other AKM Books, in order of
Rise of the Fallen
Heart of the Warrior
Micah's Calling
Rebel Obsession
Return of the Assassin
This book is a prequel. Reading the first five books of the series will greatly enhance your reading experience of this book.
The All the King's Men Series was GraveTells' Reviewers' Choice for 2013 Series of the Year
"If you've been waiting for the next Black Dagger Brotherhood, this is it…" -GraveTells
Micah Black is a vampire in trouble. He already lost one mate in the Middle Ages and barely survived her passing. Now, he's about to lose another, and this time it could kill him. Except he's not entirely convinced he has actually mated Jackson. Too many questions surround their relationship, because Jackson never returned the mating bond, which makes their pairing an anomaly. Then there's Scarlet, the mysterious and sexy exotic dancer Micah can't forget, who he saw perform for the first time the night he and Jackson met. Micah wishes for one night with Scarlet, which is not the way a mated male is supposed to behave. But for months, as Jackson has slipped further away, Micah hasn't been able to stop thinking about her. If only he had more time, he could explore how he feels for Scarlet, but with Jackson halfway out the door, Micah knows time is one luxury he doesn't have. When Jackson leaves for good and re-opens the emotional chasm Micah fell into after his first mate's death, suffering will claim him, and this time he won't survive.
In this prequel to the award-winning All the King's Men Series, readers see what occurred in the weeks leading up to the novel, Rise of the Fallen, which was the first in this exciting paranormal series that introduced readers to a new world of vampires and shifters. In Rise of the Fallen, you met Micah and the rest of the alpha males of AKM. Now, see how the pieces aligned to set Micah on his path to self-destruction and eventual resurrection in the story that readers fell in love with.
All your favorite characters and villains of the first five books are back, and you'll get a glimpse into how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as a peek at how the drecks plan to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You will also get an intimate glimpse of Tristan's and Josie's love for one another, as well as witness King Bain in his complex roles as leader, father, and mate. Every AKM fan will find something to love in this prequel, which provides vital information to set up the remainder of the series as it winds its way toward the two upcoming sister series, as well as the next generation.
This book contains strong adult content, references to bisexuality, and explicit sexual material.
Other AKM Books, in order of
Rise of the Fallen
Heart of the Warrior
Micah's Calling
Rebel Obsession
Return of the Assassin
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2014
34 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Donya Lynne
47 books436 followersDonya Lynne is the author of the award winning All the King's Men Series and a member of Romance Writers of America. Making her home in a wooded suburb north of Indianapolis with her husband, Donya has lived in Indiana most of her life and knew at a young age that she was destined to be a writer. She started writing poetry in grade school and won her first short story contest in fourth grade. In junior high, she began writing romantic stories for her friends, and by her sophomore year, they had dubbed her Most Likely to Become a Romance Novelist. In 2012, she made that dream come true by publishing her first two novels and two novellas. Her work has earned her two IPPYs, one gold and one silver, as well as two eLit Awards, also one gold and one silver. Donya has many more novels and novellas planned for years to come.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 3, 2016
Still wishing for the ability to give partial stars but since I can't 4.5 stars here. This started from the beginning, though not from the very beginning with the Dacians, but after they had been ousted. It gave a background for all the things that are alluded to by other characters. It also gives a fuller more thorough background on what caused the hostilities between the Drecks and Vampires. It flowed perfectly and having read the previous books in the series it gave some good insight into what was happening outside of the pages we read earlier.King Bain is of course featured as the person who has most of the truth of things in his hands. We also get to meet his wife who understands how to handle him.
This is a novella which answers most if not all of the questions you may have after the first 5 books. It actually leads directly into the first book, The Rise of the Fallen. This series is really great and I think anyone who enjoys vampires and action will enjoy this.
This is a novella which answers most if not all of the questions you may have after the first 5 books. It actually leads directly into the first book, The Rise of the Fallen. This series is really great and I think anyone who enjoys vampires and action will enjoy this.
January 11, 2015
A prequel to the series. This book covered the history of why the Drecks and the Vampires are at war when once they were allies. It also covered the relationship between Josie and Tristan in details. And when Severin joined the Chicago AKM team and the early times of Micah's suffering when Jackson left him. This book is definitely a must read. I absolutely enjoyed it.
June 11, 2025
Prequel fun
I love prequels. Some much more information that you get that won't fit into the original first story is given. Loved looking back.
I love prequels. Some much more information that you get that won't fit into the original first story is given. Loved looking back.
August 7, 2017
Great book
This whole series is wonderful with a new prospective on vampires. Each book is full of action, drama, and hot passion. Oh and Micah is so yummy I would let him bite me anytime.
This whole series is wonderful with a new prospective on vampires. Each book is full of action, drama, and hot passion. Oh and Micah is so yummy I would let him bite me anytime.
December 5, 2018
Excellent book. All my questions were answered.
Mmmhh Micah 💕
Got to learn about some characters like the King and his wife, Tristan and Josie and that BASTARD Jackson....I hope Karma a bitch were his concerned.
Other questions popped into my mind...what role does the King have for Micah???
Mmmhh Micah 💕
Got to learn about some characters like the King and his wife, Tristan and Josie and that BASTARD Jackson....I hope Karma a bitch were his concerned.
Other questions popped into my mind...what role does the King have for Micah???
November 3, 2017
Not a stand alone, not even really a story. Just filler material for the series. Introduces the characters, but that’s pretty much it. You can get most of this from the novels.
April 24, 2014
4.25 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 19, 2014
NOTE: This book is a prequel. Reading the first five books of the series will greatly enhance your reading experience of this book.
In this prequel to the award-winning All the King's Men Series, readers see what occurred in the weeks leading up to the novel, Rise of the Fallen, which was the first in this exciting paranormal series that introduced readers to a new world of vampires and shifters. In Rise of the Fallen, you met Micah and the rest of the alpha males of AKM. Now, see how the pieces aligned to set Micah on his path to self-destruction and eventual resurrection in the story that readers fell in love with.
All your favorite characters and villains of the first five books are back, and you'll get a glimpse into how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as a peek at how the drecks plan to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You will also get an intimate glimpse of Tristan's and Josie's love for one another, as well as witness King Bain in his complex roles as leader, father, and mate.
REVIEW: ALL THE KING’S MEN is the prequel novella to Donya Lynne’s contemporary, erotic adult, All The Kings’ Men paranormal series focusing on a group of vampire warrior’s and their mates. Like many prequel storyline ALL THE KING’S MEN reveals the history behind the war between the Vampires and the Drecks as well as the story leading up to the first instalment Rise of the Fallen.
Donya Lynne pulls the reader into a storyline where one couple looks to the future; another couple implodes; and a drug that will send many addicts over the edge.
ALL THE KING’S MEN is a storyline that details a vampire male’s ‘suffering’ when the ‘calling’ has been denied. We watch as two allies become combatant enemies when a mated pair is separated by laws and family. Donya also looks deeper into Micah’s history of mating and the reasons he is determined to end his life. Micah is an anomaly within the vampire community but he is also one of the fiercest warriors the AKM has ever known.
All of the AKM vampire warriors have a small role within the prequel storyline. From Tristan and Josie’s welcome news to the introduction of Severin into the AKM family. The world building establishes the background and historical significance of the vampire/ dreck war; reveals the beginning and the progress of a drug that is aimed at taking down the vampire species; and a look back at the reasons Micah is the vampire he is today.
If you are a fan Donya Lynne’s All the King’s Men paranormal vampire series, then the prequel novella ALL THE KING’S MEN is a must read to help establish a guideline and some background information.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 19, 2014
NOTE: This book is a prequel. Reading the first five books of the series will greatly enhance your reading experience of this book.
In this prequel to the award-winning All the King's Men Series, readers see what occurred in the weeks leading up to the novel, Rise of the Fallen, which was the first in this exciting paranormal series that introduced readers to a new world of vampires and shifters. In Rise of the Fallen, you met Micah and the rest of the alpha males of AKM. Now, see how the pieces aligned to set Micah on his path to self-destruction and eventual resurrection in the story that readers fell in love with.
All your favorite characters and villains of the first five books are back, and you'll get a glimpse into how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as a peek at how the drecks plan to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You will also get an intimate glimpse of Tristan's and Josie's love for one another, as well as witness King Bain in his complex roles as leader, father, and mate.
REVIEW: ALL THE KING’S MEN is the prequel novella to Donya Lynne’s contemporary, erotic adult, All The Kings’ Men paranormal series focusing on a group of vampire warrior’s and their mates. Like many prequel storyline ALL THE KING’S MEN reveals the history behind the war between the Vampires and the Drecks as well as the story leading up to the first instalment Rise of the Fallen.
Donya Lynne pulls the reader into a storyline where one couple looks to the future; another couple implodes; and a drug that will send many addicts over the edge.
ALL THE KING’S MEN is a storyline that details a vampire male’s ‘suffering’ when the ‘calling’ has been denied. We watch as two allies become combatant enemies when a mated pair is separated by laws and family. Donya also looks deeper into Micah’s history of mating and the reasons he is determined to end his life. Micah is an anomaly within the vampire community but he is also one of the fiercest warriors the AKM has ever known.
All of the AKM vampire warriors have a small role within the prequel storyline. From Tristan and Josie’s welcome news to the introduction of Severin into the AKM family. The world building establishes the background and historical significance of the vampire/ dreck war; reveals the beginning and the progress of a drug that is aimed at taking down the vampire species; and a look back at the reasons Micah is the vampire he is today.
If you are a fan Donya Lynne’s All the King’s Men paranormal vampire series, then the prequel novella ALL THE KING’S MEN is a must read to help establish a guideline and some background information.
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 16, 2014
All The King’s Men: The Beginning by Donya Lynne
For those of you who have not had the opportunity or pleasure of reading Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men, you are truly missing out on a great series.
Prior to this release there are five (5) books to her series. I know that seems like a lot of releases and storytelling before a prequel release. This latest release for those of us who are following her series, answers a lot of questions, and all the puzzle pieces seem to fit perfectly in place. Now stating that, “The Beginning” gives us insight to the characters. Such as Micah and what happened to him and why he is the way he is, Arion, Io, Severin (introduced here) Trace and Malek. You realize the tight bond/friendship between Tristan, Malek and Micah and even King Bain when it comes to Micah. It insinuates deception within the Dreck’s loyal house and keeping the peace with Vampires. You get a sense of why King Bain’s daughter is the way she is.
Where “The Beginning” ends “The Rise of the Fallen” begins. Truth be told I’m not sure how I would read this again. Hard to say since I already devoured the first 5 books, but I’m going to go out on the limb here (even though this came at a perfect time) if you haven’t read the series start with “The Beginning”, but make sure you have “The Rise of the Fallen” because trust me you won’t want to stop.
I can’t wait for the release of “Bound Guardian Angel” Trace’s story. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long.
For those of you who have not had the opportunity or pleasure of reading Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men, you are truly missing out on a great series.
Prior to this release there are five (5) books to her series. I know that seems like a lot of releases and storytelling before a prequel release. This latest release for those of us who are following her series, answers a lot of questions, and all the puzzle pieces seem to fit perfectly in place. Now stating that, “The Beginning” gives us insight to the characters. Such as Micah and what happened to him and why he is the way he is, Arion, Io, Severin (introduced here) Trace and Malek. You realize the tight bond/friendship between Tristan, Malek and Micah and even King Bain when it comes to Micah. It insinuates deception within the Dreck’s loyal house and keeping the peace with Vampires. You get a sense of why King Bain’s daughter is the way she is.
Where “The Beginning” ends “The Rise of the Fallen” begins. Truth be told I’m not sure how I would read this again. Hard to say since I already devoured the first 5 books, but I’m going to go out on the limb here (even though this came at a perfect time) if you haven’t read the series start with “The Beginning”, but make sure you have “The Rise of the Fallen” because trust me you won’t want to stop.
I can’t wait for the release of “Bound Guardian Angel” Trace’s story. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long.
May 12, 2016
Who is this royal named Rysk, locked away in the palace, screaming for his mate as he goes through his calling? Who is Abrial? Who is Rysk? Oh my! Wait until you read and find out who Abrial is, or what. This book shows us how the relationship between the Drecks and the Upin were good. Will we find out why the relationship between them changed? What happened to change it? We just know they are now enemies with a tentative truce in place. Before we get to Chapter 1 in the book, we find out how things went down hill quickly between the vampires and the drecks. It truly is heart-wrenching. Watching how things play out in this short book, novella if you will, really is eye opening on some fronts. Now I cannot wait to read Bound Guardian Angel. I have a real respect for the title and knowing what it means or can potentially mean for Trace's story.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
April 9, 2015
I absolutely love this series, on every level: plot, characters, heat, action.
I stumbled across this book about a week ago, then realized it wasn't actually the first book but the sixth ("The Beginning" in the title threw me off). I went to the other books, read the synopsis of the first five, then made an executive decision to read them in the order of the plot timeline, not the publication date...and for me, it worked just right. I guess I'm lucky I discovered the series this far into the story and could make that call.
In case anyone is interested in my personal reading order:
All the King's Men: The Beginning
Rise of the Fallen
Micah's Calling
Heart of the Warrior
Rebel Obsession
Return of the Assassin
Now I'm all caught up and just as antsy for Trace's story as everyone else who's been waiting...and waiting...and waiting.
I stumbled across this book about a week ago, then realized it wasn't actually the first book but the sixth ("The Beginning" in the title threw me off). I went to the other books, read the synopsis of the first five, then made an executive decision to read them in the order of the plot timeline, not the publication date...and for me, it worked just right. I guess I'm lucky I discovered the series this far into the story and could make that call.
In case anyone is interested in my personal reading order:
All the King's Men: The Beginning
Rise of the Fallen
Micah's Calling
Heart of the Warrior
Rebel Obsession
Return of the Assassin
Now I'm all caught up and just as antsy for Trace's story as everyone else who's been waiting...and waiting...and waiting.
June 7, 2023
This novella provides a history of All the King's Men, providing background on the vampire/dreck races, the suffering, mate bonds, and even those that aren't mated. Although I enjoyed this book, it didn't grab me as much as the others have done. Perhaps it is because there are a wide variety of people and subjects covered within a short amount of time, I'm not sure.
Still well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would recommend this novella to fans of the AKM series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 28, 2016
Still well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, I would recommend this novella to fans of the AKM series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 28, 2016
April 22, 2014
Amazing! Miss. Lynne's ability to weave a story that can make you feel as if your watching a movie, is truly a gift. I had to read this short novella very slowly just so I could savor the story unraveling with each word and to prolong the end. I love how this itty bitty story has answered a few of the questions that were left open and not explained in the other books, like how Micah met that loser Jackson and why he left and bringing Tristian and Josie's beginning was just what I needed to warm up to him, but I gotta say the origin of the vamps and the drecks was jaw dropping cool! I am anxiously awaiting Trace's story and for the love of god woman don't let me suffer for to long!!
April 25, 2014
4.5 stars.
while this is a prequel, it's coming out after 4+books, so it will help if you've read them first.
this book tells of the beginning of All The Kings Men, their start up. it tells of the reason of the Vampire/Dreck war, why cobalt is flooding the streets, and why Micah has lost the will to live after Jackson leaves.
it fills in A LOT of missing back story, with Tristan and Josie taking a large part in this book.
thoroughly enjoyable, and now, I think I might read all the books again, in order, just because I have this extra piece of history!
while this is a prequel, it's coming out after 4+books, so it will help if you've read them first.
this book tells of the beginning of All The Kings Men, their start up. it tells of the reason of the Vampire/Dreck war, why cobalt is flooding the streets, and why Micah has lost the will to live after Jackson leaves.
it fills in A LOT of missing back story, with Tristan and Josie taking a large part in this book.
thoroughly enjoyable, and now, I think I might read all the books again, in order, just because I have this extra piece of history!
July 10, 2016
This latest release in the All The Kings Men series by Donya Lynne is a prequel that addresses some questions about some of the main characters history. I think Reading the other books first would be a good idea. It will introduce you to the characters plus they are just fabulous books!
This an exciting book. The lost loves, family feuds make Romeo and Juliet seem like a sweet story.
I was excited to find out what happened years ago to cause the hatred between the Vampires and Drecks. The All The Kings Men series is one of my favorite Paranormal romance series. Donya is so talented!!
This an exciting book. The lost loves, family feuds make Romeo and Juliet seem like a sweet story.
I was excited to find out what happened years ago to cause the hatred between the Vampires and Drecks. The All The Kings Men series is one of my favorite Paranormal romance series. Donya is so talented!!
May 9, 2014
Donya's All the King's Men series is one of my favorites and while I've never felt anything was missing as I read each novel, because Donya writes so that you really get to know the characters, I have to admit, now that I've read this prequel, I have an even better understanding of this group and their history and I find myself wanting/needing to read the series again.
If you haven't met Donya's All the King's Men, this is the perfect way to get started!!
If you haven't met Donya's All the King's Men, this is the perfect way to get started!!
May 2, 2016
This book could have been the first in the series but it makes much better sense to have it sixth in the series.
You get to see Micah's relationship with Jackson before he met Sam in Rise of the Fallen. You see how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as how the drecks planned to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You get to see King Bain not as a king but as a male, in his private life too.
You get to see Micah's relationship with Jackson before he met Sam in Rise of the Fallen. You see how the war between the vampires and drecks began, as well as how the drecks planned to use cobalt to weaken the vampire race. You get to see King Bain not as a king but as a male, in his private life too.
May 2, 2014
It's great to have the beginning of this series told. Josie and Tristan's relationship needed some backstory so it was great to get it here. It also set up Micah and Trace's relationship as well as others like Ari and Sev and to a lesser extend Io and Bain's daughter. This is what a prequel should be!
May 13, 2016
This is the prequel to the series, it's an introduction to most of the characters before the first book. It helps to build that characters whether you have already read the series or just starting. It's a nice history on most if our favorite enforcers and more world building. Written in different POVs that flow pretty smoothly together.
May 13, 2016
This is the prequel to the series, it's an introduction to most of the characters before the first book. It helps to build that characters whether you have already read the series or just starting. It's a nice history on most if our favorite enforcers and more world building. Written in different POVs that flow pretty smoothly together.
review by Raychel
review by Raychel
April 22, 2014
Another great read. This shows not only Micah's story but everyone else's that we've come to know in the AKM world. Loved the humor throughout and the little insights into how thing we're right at the beginning.
November 9, 2014
this was fun and did fill in some of the story gaps left from the subsequent books. But it wasn't really a novel. More of a book for fans of the series. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the other books.
June 25, 2014
I have read 3 of the 5 books in this series - I couldn't get into Micah's Calling
and Rebel obsession waiting TBR. This prequel answered a few questions and raised my eyebrows about some tidbits of info. Looking forward to MORE of AKM.
and Rebel obsession waiting TBR. This prequel answered a few questions and raised my eyebrows about some tidbits of info. Looking forward to MORE of AKM.
April 24, 2014
Fan-freaking-tastic!
May 15, 2014
ok. I really love this series. keep 'em coming. now I'm impatiently waiting for the next one. guess I'll just have to reread all the others. I love Micah..sigh
May 17, 2014
Love this series
I have read all the books in this series and love them. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Love the characters and the story.
I have read all the books in this series and love them. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Love the characters and the story.
June 6, 2014
Micah's story with Jackson, sorta.
August 13, 2016
Nice backstory for the events set up to happen in the first couple of books. Some additional history and motivation behind the Drecks and vampire feud.
December 31, 2016
This just makes me more curious about Micah.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews