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The Bastard Duology #2
The Uncrowned King
I would burn the world for him…
My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.
Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us. Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.
And I fell hard.
My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence.
My one and only.
Until our forever was violently snatched away. Now, I’m hunted, once more.
But I’m not running this time. I’m fighting for love.
For him.
A hellhound facing her past. A dragon reclaiming his throne. Forbidden lovers will face the ultimate test. A Dragon King duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant.
My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.
Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us. Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.
And I fell hard.
My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence.
My one and only.
Until our forever was violently snatched away. Now, I’m hunted, once more.
But I’m not running this time. I’m fighting for love.
For him.
A hellhound facing her past. A dragon reclaiming his throne. Forbidden lovers will face the ultimate test. A Dragon King duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant.
340 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2025
61 people are currently reading
4845 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
299 books4,767 followersDonna 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.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 5, 2025
When I received this book as eARC, for which I was very grateful, I first read the prequel, “The Bastard King” and I noticed my struggle with the style of writing in the first book already. Picking up the second in the series, “The Uncrowned King”, I had hoped for more descriptive writing, more information on the magical beings, on what’s happening around the basic actions the main characters perform – but I have to admit that it just was not enough for me.
I am absolutely sure there are fantasy fans out there, who enjoy the style Donna Grant uses, as her success shows, unfortunately, I am not one of those people. For me it needs information to create immersion instead of a huge, blank canvas and this might just be me, as I stated, maybe others have more creative minds filling up all those blanks who were left empty in my imagination.
I would like to extend my thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to form my own opinion by granting me an eARC of this book, even if it might not be the one everyone hoped for.
I am absolutely sure there are fantasy fans out there, who enjoy the style Donna Grant uses, as her success shows, unfortunately, I am not one of those people. For me it needs information to create immersion instead of a huge, blank canvas and this might just be me, as I stated, maybe others have more creative minds filling up all those blanks who were left empty in my imagination.
I would like to extend my thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to form my own opinion by granting me an eARC of this book, even if it might not be the one everyone hoped for.
January 11, 2025
The Dragon Kings make a spectacularly united stand against the evil Miena, and gain valuable information about this realm that once again threatens the future of the dragons.
The Uncrowned King is the second book in a brand new duology in Donna Grant’s Dark Universe, which is a huge universe made up of interconnected series. This duology fits in with the Dragon Kings series and advances parts of the plotline of that series. If you’re up to it, I’d say read all of it, it’s well worth it. You can also start each series in this universe on its own, as long as you start that series at the beginning. Each book builds on the previous one.
The story started off right where the first book ended. And we cleverly got a recap of the previous events. Throughout the story the other Dragon Kings also explained their history to Derek as they brought him up to speed.
From the first pages, our heroes were navigating a tightrope of tension that threatened to snap at any moment. That breathtaking scene when Kora faced off with Derek, with the hope of sparking his memories, was exquisitely nerve-wracking.
At one point, our intrepid warriors split up and the focus jumped from group to group, amping up the unease even more. And as always, the battles left me breathless and wrung out. It was phenomenal to see all the magical abilities deployed in cohesion so effectively.
I want to say that the romance between Kora and Derek felt almost secondary to everything else, but their bond was a huge part of their eventual success, and I certainly breathed a sigh of relief when they could just be together.
On a side note, I wish I had the ability to make clothes appear and disappear at will. Think of the time saved by not having to do all that laundry.
I can recommend this entire series if you like dragon shifters, magic, and steamy romance. It would be worth it to read some of the Dark Kings and Dragon Kings series to get the necessary background for this world.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
The Uncrowned King is the second book in a brand new duology in Donna Grant’s Dark Universe, which is a huge universe made up of interconnected series. This duology fits in with the Dragon Kings series and advances parts of the plotline of that series. If you’re up to it, I’d say read all of it, it’s well worth it. You can also start each series in this universe on its own, as long as you start that series at the beginning. Each book builds on the previous one.
The story started off right where the first book ended. And we cleverly got a recap of the previous events. Throughout the story the other Dragon Kings also explained their history to Derek as they brought him up to speed.
From the first pages, our heroes were navigating a tightrope of tension that threatened to snap at any moment. That breathtaking scene when Kora faced off with Derek, with the hope of sparking his memories, was exquisitely nerve-wracking.
At one point, our intrepid warriors split up and the focus jumped from group to group, amping up the unease even more. And as always, the battles left me breathless and wrung out. It was phenomenal to see all the magical abilities deployed in cohesion so effectively.
I want to say that the romance between Kora and Derek felt almost secondary to everything else, but their bond was a huge part of their eventual success, and I certainly breathed a sigh of relief when they could just be together.
On a side note, I wish I had the ability to make clothes appear and disappear at will. Think of the time saved by not having to do all that laundry.
I can recommend this entire series if you like dragon shifters, magic, and steamy romance. It would be worth it to read some of the Dark Kings and Dragon Kings series to get the necessary background for this world.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This review is also on Hooked By That Book.
January 6, 2025
I highly anticipated the Uncrowned King after the cliffhanger of the first book The Bastard King!
We catch right up with Kora the hellhound as she is faced with trying to get Derek the dragon's memory back. She's teamed up with a variety of creatures and dragons and even the Vilette to face against Miena as they fight to prevent war from breaking out.
I really enjoyed the first book, but this one just fell flat for me. Perhaps it was the time between reading the books, but I felt like this would've worked better as one continuous story rather than two separate books. There also were tons of characters that I felt like had very little unique characteristics, which made it hard to track who was who and their importance to the story. Overall this book was fine, and perhaps would've been better if read back to back with the Bastard King.
3 stars
We catch right up with Kora the hellhound as she is faced with trying to get Derek the dragon's memory back. She's teamed up with a variety of creatures and dragons and even the Vilette to face against Miena as they fight to prevent war from breaking out.
I really enjoyed the first book, but this one just fell flat for me. Perhaps it was the time between reading the books, but I felt like this would've worked better as one continuous story rather than two separate books. There also were tons of characters that I felt like had very little unique characteristics, which made it hard to track who was who and their importance to the story. Overall this book was fine, and perhaps would've been better if read back to back with the Bastard King.
3 stars
February 4, 2025
Buckle up, fantasy lovers! The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant is here to take you on a wild, emotional rollercoaster ride. Ready your popcorn and tissues, because this story has everything—heart-stopping action, pulse-pounding romance, and enough drama to keep you flipping pages like a mad dragon on caffeine.
Grant doesn’t just write battles; she orchestrates them. Her words explode off the page, turning every clash into a spectacle that will leave you breathless. With a showdown around every corner, I devoured this book faster than a dragon devours its prey. Seriously, the epic face-offs between our heroes and their foes are worth the price of admission alone.
Now, let’s talk about the feels. Kora and Derek's love story is a fiery, forbidden romance that tugs at every heartstring you’ve got. Derek, the brooding Dragon King, and Kora, the resilient hellhound, are caught in a whirlwind of lies, betrayal, and impossible odds. Add Derek’s amnesia and Kora’s unshakable determination, and you’ve got a recipe for emotional devastation (the good kind). Will love conquer all? You’ll have to read to find out, but trust me, it’s a nail-biter.
Grant's world-building? Absolutely top-tier. Imagine dragons, hellhounds, and Star People clashing in a richly woven tapestry of fantasy goodness. Zora, the magical world where dragons reign supreme, is alive with vivid details and high-stakes intrigue. The layers of alliances, mistrust, and hidden agendas add depth to a story already brimming with magic and mayhem.
Oh, and fans of The Bastard King, rejoice! This sequel wraps up the duology with a bang, tying up loose ends while introducing tantalizing new possibilities. The supporting cast—an ensemble of supernatural powerhouses—makes every moment more dynamic and keeps you guessing.
If you’re into forbidden love, dragon drama, and high-octane fantasy with a romantic core, The Uncrowned King is your next obsession. Donna Grant delivers passion, vengeance, redemption, and so much more in a finale that’s impossible to forget. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself longing for just one more chapter in this epic saga.
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Grant doesn’t just write battles; she orchestrates them. Her words explode off the page, turning every clash into a spectacle that will leave you breathless. With a showdown around every corner, I devoured this book faster than a dragon devours its prey. Seriously, the epic face-offs between our heroes and their foes are worth the price of admission alone.
Now, let’s talk about the feels. Kora and Derek's love story is a fiery, forbidden romance that tugs at every heartstring you’ve got. Derek, the brooding Dragon King, and Kora, the resilient hellhound, are caught in a whirlwind of lies, betrayal, and impossible odds. Add Derek’s amnesia and Kora’s unshakable determination, and you’ve got a recipe for emotional devastation (the good kind). Will love conquer all? You’ll have to read to find out, but trust me, it’s a nail-biter.
Grant's world-building? Absolutely top-tier. Imagine dragons, hellhounds, and Star People clashing in a richly woven tapestry of fantasy goodness. Zora, the magical world where dragons reign supreme, is alive with vivid details and high-stakes intrigue. The layers of alliances, mistrust, and hidden agendas add depth to a story already brimming with magic and mayhem.
Oh, and fans of The Bastard King, rejoice! This sequel wraps up the duology with a bang, tying up loose ends while introducing tantalizing new possibilities. The supporting cast—an ensemble of supernatural powerhouses—makes every moment more dynamic and keeps you guessing.
If you’re into forbidden love, dragon drama, and high-octane fantasy with a romantic core, The Uncrowned King is your next obsession. Donna Grant delivers passion, vengeance, redemption, and so much more in a finale that’s impossible to forget. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself longing for just one more chapter in this epic saga.
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
January 15, 2025
The second half to Derek and Kora's romance concludes in this action packed tale. This book should be read after the first book. When we last saw Derek, he sacrificed himself for Kora. Will love conquer all in this tale of greed, power struggles, and betrayal?
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 3, 2025
I was hoping this would be better than the first but it just fell flat for me again. A major issue I have is the lack of description when it comes to different species or supernatural creatures. In this book there were suddenly fae and a banshee and all these other random people with no description of their abilities or what makes them different. Also, these books could have easily been made into one. This book picks up right after the first and the whole book is about them trying to defeat Miena and then it kind of just ends. And there’s no real world or character building which made it really hard to stay invested. Also the way they talk is random to me, sometimes it’s written more modern but then they also will say “ay” all the time, it just feels awkward.
In general the idea is good and the writing is not that bad, but there could be so much more depth to this series.
Thank you to DL Grant, LLC and NetGalley for the ARC!
In general the idea is good and the writing is not that bad, but there could be so much more depth to this series.
Thank you to DL Grant, LLC and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 28, 2025
THE UNCROWNED KING is the second installment of the Bastard Duology series. If you’re new to Donna Grant’s books, you may be able to tell that these books are all interconnected with the other series she has written. So if you’re a loyal fan like me and keep coming back for more, you will be greatly rewarded.
However, that is not to say that you can’t jump into this book first. I just feel like readers who know the other characters from other series may come to appreciate the storyline more.
That being said, I enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters. Grant’s writing feels very comfortable for me, so it’s easy to read. These books have become somewhat like a comfort food for me. You can’t help but crave it and come back for more.
However, that is not to say that you can’t jump into this book first. I just feel like readers who know the other characters from other series may come to appreciate the storyline more.
That being said, I enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters. Grant’s writing feels very comfortable for me, so it’s easy to read. These books have become somewhat like a comfort food for me. You can’t help but crave it and come back for more.
January 12, 2025
The ending of this duology has been hanging on my mind ever since the ending of the first portion with its terror-inducing cliffhanger and I am thrilled to say that every second of the wait was worth it. Donna Grant returns with a bang as she takes us back to Zora to finally give us the HEA we needed for two characters that should never have met and fallen in love, but seem so perfect for one another in the end. Derek and Kora’s story has developed into one that I can see myself rereading many times, now that both parts of the duology are out, but I will definitely read them back-to-back since I hate cliffhangers and would read them as one long story. For those that don’t mind this kind of continuing story then the nature of the break in the story is certainly beautifully written and well handled in the plot, but I’m just to ADD and OCD to handle the split. That said I am dying for what comes next for these characters because with everything that happened in these two novels I can guarantee whatever comes next is going to be epic.
Derek has no memory his life and when he wakes in a dark mountain in his dragon form he has no idea of everything he has lost, so when he is told that his mate and children were brutally murdered his rage knowns no bounds and he will do anything to kill his enemy. Unfortunately, the truth is much different and the enemy he is set to kill is the woman that he loves and that lack of recognition might cost them both everything. Kora is determined to bring Derek’s memory back, even at the cost of her own life, so when the Kings offer their assistance in capturing him she is willing to work with her greatest feared enemies in order for them all to fight against the worse villain. Derek and Kora have to find their way back to one another because without their bond and the powers they can bring to the team, the Kings have no chance to defeating the Star People that are trying to bring their existence to an end.
I cried almost as much as I smiled while reading this story, honestly Derek and Kora’s story was so emotional. Kora never imagined that she would fall in love with a Dragon, much less the one that destroyed her family, but she learns that the greatest form of love is forgiveness and Derek is worth everything to her. She finds her bravery, strength, and a depth of love and caring that she never thought she would be able to find for another being after her family died. She’s lived such a lonely existence, always thinking she was the last of her kind and would be vilified if anyone discovered her secret, but when she finally comes out of the shadows she learns that her unique abilities are more than embraced with the family the kings have made. Derek is definitely lost for a good bit of the book, but even then we see his protective and dangerously loving nature as he tried to avenge his mate, but his unwillingness to listen to alternative views, instead only believing the first person to tell him something kinds pissed me off. Once he gets his memories back he’s the Derek we all know and love, caring, sweet, intelligent, courageous, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those under his care. I only wish that he’d been willing to listen without the pain and trauma required to both him and Kora to knock some sense into him.
The Uncrowned King, combined with its predecessor The Bastard King, are stories of a male that has lived his long life in service to his people, even though he never knew that he was being manipulated and used, and unfortunately until the end his work was counter to that goal. Luckily when he meets a woman that challenges him to look deeper he is able to break free finally and his mission and labors are finally in line, leaving him able to move forward in life and find a balance and happiness hat has always been elusive. Derek has always been missing something, even though he could never put his finger on it, and meeting Kora shows him that what he was missing was a family and love, because his life was always just his mission before. Kora has lived her life in fear, but when she finally finds her courage and decides that she is ready to fight back, she meets the man that will truly allow her to succeed. These two lovers complete one another in more ways than they ever imagine they could be, challenging one another to think differently about everything they thought they knew and the chemistry between them is beautifully undeniable. I loved every second of their story, even though the wait between stories about killed me. Donna Grant truly out did herself in these stories of love, betrayal, and secrets and I am truly looking forward to whatever comes next,
Derek has no memory his life and when he wakes in a dark mountain in his dragon form he has no idea of everything he has lost, so when he is told that his mate and children were brutally murdered his rage knowns no bounds and he will do anything to kill his enemy. Unfortunately, the truth is much different and the enemy he is set to kill is the woman that he loves and that lack of recognition might cost them both everything. Kora is determined to bring Derek’s memory back, even at the cost of her own life, so when the Kings offer their assistance in capturing him she is willing to work with her greatest feared enemies in order for them all to fight against the worse villain. Derek and Kora have to find their way back to one another because without their bond and the powers they can bring to the team, the Kings have no chance to defeating the Star People that are trying to bring their existence to an end.
I cried almost as much as I smiled while reading this story, honestly Derek and Kora’s story was so emotional. Kora never imagined that she would fall in love with a Dragon, much less the one that destroyed her family, but she learns that the greatest form of love is forgiveness and Derek is worth everything to her. She finds her bravery, strength, and a depth of love and caring that she never thought she would be able to find for another being after her family died. She’s lived such a lonely existence, always thinking she was the last of her kind and would be vilified if anyone discovered her secret, but when she finally comes out of the shadows she learns that her unique abilities are more than embraced with the family the kings have made. Derek is definitely lost for a good bit of the book, but even then we see his protective and dangerously loving nature as he tried to avenge his mate, but his unwillingness to listen to alternative views, instead only believing the first person to tell him something kinds pissed me off. Once he gets his memories back he’s the Derek we all know and love, caring, sweet, intelligent, courageous, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those under his care. I only wish that he’d been willing to listen without the pain and trauma required to both him and Kora to knock some sense into him.
The Uncrowned King, combined with its predecessor The Bastard King, are stories of a male that has lived his long life in service to his people, even though he never knew that he was being manipulated and used, and unfortunately until the end his work was counter to that goal. Luckily when he meets a woman that challenges him to look deeper he is able to break free finally and his mission and labors are finally in line, leaving him able to move forward in life and find a balance and happiness hat has always been elusive. Derek has always been missing something, even though he could never put his finger on it, and meeting Kora shows him that what he was missing was a family and love, because his life was always just his mission before. Kora has lived her life in fear, but when she finally finds her courage and decides that she is ready to fight back, she meets the man that will truly allow her to succeed. These two lovers complete one another in more ways than they ever imagine they could be, challenging one another to think differently about everything they thought they knew and the chemistry between them is beautifully undeniable. I loved every second of their story, even though the wait between stories about killed me. Donna Grant truly out did herself in these stories of love, betrayal, and secrets and I am truly looking forward to whatever comes next,
December 20, 2024
Part two of the Bastard Duology follows the cliffhanger ending of The Bastard King. It takes us to new levels of conflict in the never-ending battle of good versus evil in Donna Grant's Dark Universe. The Uncrowned King ratchets up the tension between the Dragon Kings and Miena. Is the enemy of my enemy my friend? New alliances form in the effort to rid Zora of that evil Star Person.
This is an exciting, action packed story that questions loyalty under pressure. We are left wondering what happens next with Villette, Daelya, and Katla. At least Kora and Derek found their HEA together. With Skye Druids, Elves, Reapers, Dark Fae, Light Fae, Star People, Dark Kings, Hellhounds and more, Donna Grant's Dark Universe keeps expanding as the worlds keep overlapping. Can't wait to find out what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is an exciting, action packed story that questions loyalty under pressure. We are left wondering what happens next with Villette, Daelya, and Katla. At least Kora and Derek found their HEA together. With Skye Druids, Elves, Reapers, Dark Fae, Light Fae, Star People, Dark Kings, Hellhounds and more, Donna Grant's Dark Universe keeps expanding as the worlds keep overlapping. Can't wait to find out what happens next!
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for an advanced reader copy of this book.
Donna has done it again! I loved The Bastard King and loved this one even more! Packed with action, tension, and forbidden lovers facing an ultimate test, this is an epic conclusion to The Bastard Duology! I love these characters and will miss this world!
Donna has done it again! I loved The Bastard King and loved this one even more! Packed with action, tension, and forbidden lovers facing an ultimate test, this is an epic conclusion to The Bastard Duology! I love these characters and will miss this world!
January 14, 2025
4crowns! 👑👑👑👑
Wow! What a ride! I devoured The Uncrowned King in one day—action-packed, adventure-filled, and impossible to put down. If you're looking for a book that feels like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for but are thrilled you stumbled onto, this one’s for you.
This sequel picks up right where The Bastard King left us, and boy, does it deliver on the drama. Derek, our MMC, has once again had his mind wiped. Seriously, someone needs to gift this man a journal or a Post-it—anything to help him keep track of what’s real versus what’s just a fever dream. Meanwhile, Kora is deep in her guilt spiral, blaming herself for, well, everything, and deciding the best way to fix things is to team up with the enemy. Bold move, Kora. Bold move.
The introduction of new secondary characters adds that “Wait, WHAT?!” moments. If you love a good shock factor, this book delivers. The pacing? Lightning fast. The twists? Predictable but still enjoyable.
Now, let’s talk about the world-building. The concept of “everyone is a king” is intriguing but also a bit confusing. While the world itself was decent, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth in the characters. I wanted to feel Kora and Derek's struggles, not just read about them.
That said, The Uncrowned King is an exhilarating conclusion to the duology. If you can look past a few moments of confusion and lean into the fast-paced madness, you’re in for an entertaining escape.
Wow! What a ride! I devoured The Uncrowned King in one day—action-packed, adventure-filled, and impossible to put down. If you're looking for a book that feels like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for but are thrilled you stumbled onto, this one’s for you.
This sequel picks up right where The Bastard King left us, and boy, does it deliver on the drama. Derek, our MMC, has once again had his mind wiped. Seriously, someone needs to gift this man a journal or a Post-it—anything to help him keep track of what’s real versus what’s just a fever dream. Meanwhile, Kora is deep in her guilt spiral, blaming herself for, well, everything, and deciding the best way to fix things is to team up with the enemy. Bold move, Kora. Bold move.
The introduction of new secondary characters adds that “Wait, WHAT?!” moments. If you love a good shock factor, this book delivers. The pacing? Lightning fast. The twists? Predictable but still enjoyable.
Now, let’s talk about the world-building. The concept of “everyone is a king” is intriguing but also a bit confusing. While the world itself was decent, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth in the characters. I wanted to feel Kora and Derek's struggles, not just read about them.
That said, The Uncrowned King is an exhilarating conclusion to the duology. If you can look past a few moments of confusion and lean into the fast-paced madness, you’re in for an entertaining escape.
January 9, 2025
The Bastard King left us in a bit of a dilemma and now we get see just how our intrepid Dragon and Hellhound get out of that mess!
Villette is the villain we love to hate but now Miena is free and it would appear she is a bigger b*tch than her sister! But can the dragon kings trust the star person to honour her promise to help them? So far she has only served herself.
There is plenty of action, intrigue and smexy moments. There is an epic battle brewing and it may spill back to Earth. So will the Kings allies; the Skye Druids, Reapers, Hellhounds, etc. be strong enough to win against their enemies?
This duology definitely needs to read in order and if possible as part of the wider Dragon Kings/Dark Universe world as it really will help to keep all the different supernatural creatures/star people/Fae distinct and the over arching stories will make much more sense.
Villette is the villain we love to hate but now Miena is free and it would appear she is a bigger b*tch than her sister! But can the dragon kings trust the star person to honour her promise to help them? So far she has only served herself.
There is plenty of action, intrigue and smexy moments. There is an epic battle brewing and it may spill back to Earth. So will the Kings allies; the Skye Druids, Reapers, Hellhounds, etc. be strong enough to win against their enemies?
This duology definitely needs to read in order and if possible as part of the wider Dragon Kings/Dark Universe world as it really will help to keep all the different supernatural creatures/star people/Fae distinct and the over arching stories will make much more sense.
May 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC.
My opinion is the same as for the first book. I'm glad I got to see the 'end' of the romance, I liked the chemistry between Kora and Derek, and it was a good way to wrap up their journey. I am still thrown in the middle of a massive fictional universe, with many characters brought in from other books, and multiple plot threads left unfinished by the end, probably to be picked up with a different series within the same universe. This is not a duology to start this wider world with, and I wish that was made much clearer from book 1.
My opinion is the same as for the first book. I'm glad I got to see the 'end' of the romance, I liked the chemistry between Kora and Derek, and it was a good way to wrap up their journey. I am still thrown in the middle of a massive fictional universe, with many characters brought in from other books, and multiple plot threads left unfinished by the end, probably to be picked up with a different series within the same universe. This is not a duology to start this wider world with, and I wish that was made much clearer from book 1.
January 5, 2025
I have to hand it to the writer I liked this book. Kora Derek Merrill Rhi, Merina and the other characters where fantastic. Their actions and the entertainment along with the plot in the book was most enjoyable. Thank you for providing so much excitement and some steam from a fantasy book that truly is a good read. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
January 26, 2025
3 and 1/2 stars
July 25, 2025
4.5/5 ✨
January 2, 2025
This story picks up where the first book abruptly ends. (Reading book one of the duology first is a requirement to understand what is happening.) Derek was taken, by Miena, to the human world to kill. All of his memories were erased. Kora teams up with Merrill and they hold Villette captive and go to the dragon kings for help to save Derek from Miena and take her down to get rid of her for good.
Kora works with the dragon kings and gains many allies along the way. The real battle comes for her when they capture Derek and he does not recognize her or remember that she is his mate. Kora has to try with all her might to get Derek to remember so they can all work together to extinguish Miena for good and save the dragons.
This book was not what I was expecting. There was a lot of potential but I feel like the story fell flat. I read the first and second books back to back and I almost think the story could have been condensed and combined into one book. I found some parts to be very descriptive and others, not so much. It was inconsistent overall and the story was slow-paced.
I would recommend you read this if you like dragon shifter fantasy. Just because I did not enjoy this book, doesn’t mean others will not enjoy it. Everyone has their own tastes.
I want to thank NetGalley, Donna Grant, and DL Grant LLC for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book.
Kora works with the dragon kings and gains many allies along the way. The real battle comes for her when they capture Derek and he does not recognize her or remember that she is his mate. Kora has to try with all her might to get Derek to remember so they can all work together to extinguish Miena for good and save the dragons.
This book was not what I was expecting. There was a lot of potential but I feel like the story fell flat. I read the first and second books back to back and I almost think the story could have been condensed and combined into one book. I found some parts to be very descriptive and others, not so much. It was inconsistent overall and the story was slow-paced.
I would recommend you read this if you like dragon shifter fantasy. Just because I did not enjoy this book, doesn’t mean others will not enjoy it. Everyone has their own tastes.
I want to thank NetGalley, Donna Grant, and DL Grant LLC for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book.
March 9, 2025
The thrilling conclusion to the Bastard Duology, and it absolutely delivered. Picking up seamlessly from the cliffhanger of the first book, this installment dives straight back into Kora and Derek’s journey, leaving no time to catch your breath.
One of the standout features of this duology is its deep fantasy elements, which I absolutely loved. From fae to dragons, hellhounds, and even star people, the variety of characters made this world rich and mesmerizing. While many characters were introduced in the first book, they seemed to take on more prominent roles in this second installment. It felt like the stakes were higher, and each character played a meaningful part in the story.
This time, the narrative doesn’t just follow Kora and Derek. While their separate yet converging paths kept me hooked, the story also dips into the perspectives of other characters, including minor ones and even the enemy. At times, this shift in POV felt odd and a bit much, especially when it came from unexpected characters. However, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it added layers of complexity that made the plot more engaging and deepened my investment—even in the enemy’s plans and future. I found myself loathing her just as much as Derek and Kora did, which made the story all the more compelling.
Kora and Derek’s relationship remained central to the story, and their journey was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It was tough to read at times, watching them endure hurt and turmoil, but it was also one of those moments where you’re rooting for love to triumph. While romance played a role in this book, it wasn’t as prominent as in the first installment. Instead, Grant skillfully balanced the action, character growth, and world-building, weaving a narrative that felt truly epic in scope. That’s not to say there weren’t steamy moments—they are there and wonderfully written—but the story’s strength didn’t depend on them.
Between the two books in the duology, I’d say this one stands out more for me. The pacing was well-balanced, the stakes were higher, and the emotional struggles the characters faced pulled at my heart, making their triumphs feel all the more rewarding. I felt entirely immersed in the realm Grant created, swept up by her vivid descriptions and storytelling.
Donna Grant has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. Her ability to craft stories that are both gripping and emotional keeps me coming back for more. The Uncrowned King is a satisfying conclusion to a magical journey, and it’s a magical world I would gladly visit again and again.
One of the standout features of this duology is its deep fantasy elements, which I absolutely loved. From fae to dragons, hellhounds, and even star people, the variety of characters made this world rich and mesmerizing. While many characters were introduced in the first book, they seemed to take on more prominent roles in this second installment. It felt like the stakes were higher, and each character played a meaningful part in the story.
This time, the narrative doesn’t just follow Kora and Derek. While their separate yet converging paths kept me hooked, the story also dips into the perspectives of other characters, including minor ones and even the enemy. At times, this shift in POV felt odd and a bit much, especially when it came from unexpected characters. However, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it added layers of complexity that made the plot more engaging and deepened my investment—even in the enemy’s plans and future. I found myself loathing her just as much as Derek and Kora did, which made the story all the more compelling.
Kora and Derek’s relationship remained central to the story, and their journey was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It was tough to read at times, watching them endure hurt and turmoil, but it was also one of those moments where you’re rooting for love to triumph. While romance played a role in this book, it wasn’t as prominent as in the first installment. Instead, Grant skillfully balanced the action, character growth, and world-building, weaving a narrative that felt truly epic in scope. That’s not to say there weren’t steamy moments—they are there and wonderfully written—but the story’s strength didn’t depend on them.
Between the two books in the duology, I’d say this one stands out more for me. The pacing was well-balanced, the stakes were higher, and the emotional struggles the characters faced pulled at my heart, making their triumphs feel all the more rewarding. I felt entirely immersed in the realm Grant created, swept up by her vivid descriptions and storytelling.
Donna Grant has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. Her ability to craft stories that are both gripping and emotional keeps me coming back for more. The Uncrowned King is a satisfying conclusion to a magical journey, and it’s a magical world I would gladly visit again and again.
January 15, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one day.
This story picks up right after the first book ended, with Miena erasing Derek's memory once again before she teleported him to a cave until he wakes up. While Derek is passed out, he's dreaming of Kora without even realizing who she is. He can hear her calling out his name and can see everything about her, except her face which is blurred out. His heart is trying to tell him that she's important to him. They are mates, but they never expressed their feelings for each before everything went down in the last book.
Meanwhile, Kora, Rhi, the Fae who's mated to the King of all the Dragon Kings, Merrill, Lottie, and her mate Alasdair have Villette in their custody. Kora, a hellhound, has her encased in a ring of fire. Hellhounds are the only species that are capable of killing a Star Person. Lottie is a Star Person as well. But she didn't know who she really was because she was raised by humans, so she suppressed her powers and abilities until her Dragon mate, Alasdair, helped her. But Lottie is nothing like her evil sisters. Before Kora can finally get her revenge on Villette and kill her, they all realize that she's the only one who can locate Miena and Derek. So Kora and Villette enter a vow sealed with magic that Villette will help them, but the only downside to that vow is if either one of them gets hurt, the other will feel the other's pain 5 times worse than the one actually fighting. But Kora will do anything to get to Derek; so she accepts the vow.
When Derek finally wakes up, Miena tells him that he had a fight and was hit on the head, which is why he has lost his memory. She also tells him a bunch of lies about the Dragon Kings that make him question everything he thought he knew. So he goes on a walk into the nearby village and stumbles upon another magical creature who tells him the history of the Dragon Kings. Feeling better armed with a bit of truth, he has to decide what to do about his future. Start over with a blank slate and walk among the humans? Or find out about his past? When Miena finds him again, she tells him that the Dragon Kings allowed a Hellhound to kill both his mate and his children's eggs. He does remember watching over the eggs though. But they weren't his. They were Villette's creations, just like he was Miena's. Derek was manipulated to do their bidding because of all of the lies he'd been told. Miena then tells him to hunt down the female Hellhound who killed his family. Filled with rage, revenge, and hurt, he sets out to find both the dragons and the Hellhound with the intent to kill.
When Derek enters the dragon's territory, he wants blood. Kora insists on being the bait to lure Derek to them. The Dragon Kings will use their magic to subdue him so they can try talking to him and tell him the truth about everything. When he sees Kora, there's something about her that calls to him. But he refuses to let it bother him, he wants her suffering before he kills her with his fire. That's when the King's magic knocks him out and he wakes up in a magical cage.
Kora figures if anyone will get through to him, it'd be her. So she starts by telling him how they met and then became inseparable. But he shuts her out and doesn't listen to her. Kora then has another, dangerous idea that might trigger his memories; if it doesn't, he'll kill her. But she's OK with that, he's suffered enough. Now that he's out of his cage, Derek starts to slowly torture her and eventually she dies; but he stops himself from burning her just in time as his memories start coming back. Then he's mortified with himself for laying a hand on her as he nearly killed the love of his life, and she let him.
When she finally wakes up, he's worried how she'll react to him. But when she sees him, she runs into his arms and his concerns disappear. Now they need to destroy Miena forever. With both Lottie and Villette's help, the dragons have a much better chance of winning. But when Miena kidnaps Kora, who's hurt, their plans change immediately. Derek and a few Dragon Kings return to the palace to help get his mate and kill Miena for good. But when he goes through the tunnels all of the ghosts of the dead dragons that Villette had killed, enter his body and soul, leaving his body covered with dragon tattoos along with their magic. Transforming him into a King in the process, the Dragon King of the Dead. It's with this power that he's able to save Kora and finally kill Miena. It took him a while to figure it out, but Miena created him using her own magic, so he used that magic along with his new magic as a King. Combining his magic along with Kora's unleashed fire, that she finally stopped repressing, and the duo decimated her to ashes.
A great series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story picks up right after the first book ended, with Miena erasing Derek's memory once again before she teleported him to a cave until he wakes up. While Derek is passed out, he's dreaming of Kora without even realizing who she is. He can hear her calling out his name and can see everything about her, except her face which is blurred out. His heart is trying to tell him that she's important to him. They are mates, but they never expressed their feelings for each before everything went down in the last book.
Meanwhile, Kora, Rhi, the Fae who's mated to the King of all the Dragon Kings, Merrill, Lottie, and her mate Alasdair have Villette in their custody. Kora, a hellhound, has her encased in a ring of fire. Hellhounds are the only species that are capable of killing a Star Person. Lottie is a Star Person as well. But she didn't know who she really was because she was raised by humans, so she suppressed her powers and abilities until her Dragon mate, Alasdair, helped her. But Lottie is nothing like her evil sisters. Before Kora can finally get her revenge on Villette and kill her, they all realize that she's the only one who can locate Miena and Derek. So Kora and Villette enter a vow sealed with magic that Villette will help them, but the only downside to that vow is if either one of them gets hurt, the other will feel the other's pain 5 times worse than the one actually fighting. But Kora will do anything to get to Derek; so she accepts the vow.
When Derek finally wakes up, Miena tells him that he had a fight and was hit on the head, which is why he has lost his memory. She also tells him a bunch of lies about the Dragon Kings that make him question everything he thought he knew. So he goes on a walk into the nearby village and stumbles upon another magical creature who tells him the history of the Dragon Kings. Feeling better armed with a bit of truth, he has to decide what to do about his future. Start over with a blank slate and walk among the humans? Or find out about his past? When Miena finds him again, she tells him that the Dragon Kings allowed a Hellhound to kill both his mate and his children's eggs. He does remember watching over the eggs though. But they weren't his. They were Villette's creations, just like he was Miena's. Derek was manipulated to do their bidding because of all of the lies he'd been told. Miena then tells him to hunt down the female Hellhound who killed his family. Filled with rage, revenge, and hurt, he sets out to find both the dragons and the Hellhound with the intent to kill.
When Derek enters the dragon's territory, he wants blood. Kora insists on being the bait to lure Derek to them. The Dragon Kings will use their magic to subdue him so they can try talking to him and tell him the truth about everything. When he sees Kora, there's something about her that calls to him. But he refuses to let it bother him, he wants her suffering before he kills her with his fire. That's when the King's magic knocks him out and he wakes up in a magical cage.
Kora figures if anyone will get through to him, it'd be her. So she starts by telling him how they met and then became inseparable. But he shuts her out and doesn't listen to her. Kora then has another, dangerous idea that might trigger his memories; if it doesn't, he'll kill her. But she's OK with that, he's suffered enough. Now that he's out of his cage, Derek starts to slowly torture her and eventually she dies; but he stops himself from burning her just in time as his memories start coming back. Then he's mortified with himself for laying a hand on her as he nearly killed the love of his life, and she let him.
When she finally wakes up, he's worried how she'll react to him. But when she sees him, she runs into his arms and his concerns disappear. Now they need to destroy Miena forever. With both Lottie and Villette's help, the dragons have a much better chance of winning. But when Miena kidnaps Kora, who's hurt, their plans change immediately. Derek and a few Dragon Kings return to the palace to help get his mate and kill Miena for good. But when he goes through the tunnels all of the ghosts of the dead dragons that Villette had killed, enter his body and soul, leaving his body covered with dragon tattoos along with their magic. Transforming him into a King in the process, the Dragon King of the Dead. It's with this power that he's able to save Kora and finally kill Miena. It took him a while to figure it out, but Miena created him using her own magic, so he used that magic along with his new magic as a King. Combining his magic along with Kora's unleashed fire, that she finally stopped repressing, and the duo decimated her to ashes.
A great series!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
4.25stars-THE UNCROWNED KING is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult THE BASTARD paranormal, fantasy duology set in the author’s Dragon Kings world. This is the continuing story of Dragon Derek, and hellhound Kora. THE UNCROWNED KING should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of THE BASTARD KING. I recommend reading the Dragon King series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.
SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine, the people of Stonemore, and a woman known as Villette
Told from omniscient third person perspectives including Derek and Kora THE UNCROWNED KING continues to focus on the search for Derek-who is the mate to Kora, and under the control of Miena, a powerful Star Person who is taking aim at the dragons and Dragon Kings but Derek, and his brother ‘Gordon’ are unfamiliar to the Dragon Kings, and Con, unfamiliar in a way that is unnatural and wrong. Having found then once again lost the man that she loves, Kora must go in search of our hero, a dragon who has target Kora and the Kings.
The world building is, once again, complex and detailed, following several paths, several fights and battles, and a layer of mistrust that runs dangerous and deep.
The relationship between Derek and Kora is tempestuous throughout the series as Derek is lead to believe Kora is the enemy; that the Kings killed his mate; and his obedience has been commanded by the only woman he has ever known. Often times left to his own devices, Derek struggles with the memories that may or may not be real but memories that threaten his future with the woman he once loved. The lone $ex scene is passionate.
Once again, there Is a large ensemble cast of powerful, magical and supernatural beings, all of whom we have met in the numerous interconnected series. Con and Rhi return, as well as their children Brandr and Eurwen; and Villette, Eurielle and their sister Miena.
THE UNCROWNED KING reveals a potentially new path and new ARC with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and the new clan of dragons under Derek’s command. The premise is intricate and thorough; the romance struggles in the face of lies and mistrust; the characters are desperate and magical.
copy supplied for review
SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine, the people of Stonemore, and a woman known as Villette
Told from omniscient third person perspectives including Derek and Kora THE UNCROWNED KING continues to focus on the search for Derek-who is the mate to Kora, and under the control of Miena, a powerful Star Person who is taking aim at the dragons and Dragon Kings but Derek, and his brother ‘Gordon’ are unfamiliar to the Dragon Kings, and Con, unfamiliar in a way that is unnatural and wrong. Having found then once again lost the man that she loves, Kora must go in search of our hero, a dragon who has target Kora and the Kings.
The world building is, once again, complex and detailed, following several paths, several fights and battles, and a layer of mistrust that runs dangerous and deep.
The relationship between Derek and Kora is tempestuous throughout the series as Derek is lead to believe Kora is the enemy; that the Kings killed his mate; and his obedience has been commanded by the only woman he has ever known. Often times left to his own devices, Derek struggles with the memories that may or may not be real but memories that threaten his future with the woman he once loved. The lone $ex scene is passionate.
Once again, there Is a large ensemble cast of powerful, magical and supernatural beings, all of whom we have met in the numerous interconnected series. Con and Rhi return, as well as their children Brandr and Eurwen; and Villette, Eurielle and their sister Miena.
THE UNCROWNED KING reveals a potentially new path and new ARC with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and the new clan of dragons under Derek’s command. The premise is intricate and thorough; the romance struggles in the face of lies and mistrust; the characters are desperate and magical.
copy supplied for review
January 9, 2025
Kora wants to rescue Derek from Meina’s evil machinations. However, she must partner with another enemy to achieve her goal. She also finds allies, and acceptance, with the Dragon Kings and their mates. When they finally locate Derek, she willingly faces death to help retrieve his stolen memories. Will Kora’s love be enough to reach Derek? Can they defeat Meina? And what about her questionable partnership with Villette?
Derek wakes with no recollection of his past. All he knows is what Meina tells him, yet he is hesitant to believe the Star Person. Derek cannot forget the faceless woman who has been haunting his dreams. Derek believes the Dragon Kings and the hellhound is responsible for all his losses. However, something about the hellhound feels familiar. Will Derek regain his missing memories? Or will it be too late? And who can Derek trust?
I am still not enamored with the hellhound- angle. I hoped that my opinion would change with the second part. Perhaps, if Kora morphed/shape-changed into a canine form like the Dragon Kings did, I would have liked her better. Hellhounds are not really my favorite kind of supernatural creatures. That could be my hangup. Derek and Kora are okay – they never really changed my feelings and thoughts about them from the first book. Neither really grabbed me or invested me.
THE UNCROWNED KING is the final book in Donna Grant’s fantasy-romance series, THE BASTARD DUOLOGY. The story picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. So, it is necessary to read THE BASTARD KING before venturing into this one.
I have a couple of nitpicks, things that just did not work for me. The first one is that there were too many characters mentioned. This boggled down the pacing. They had no real purpose in and with the plot. I feel for new readers it would be too overwhelming and confusing.
Another nitpick of mine is the repetitious retelling of the Dragon Kings’ plight on Earth as dialogue. Long time readers and fans of the DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS series already know the tale. I feel the author can get away with “and so they/he/she explained what happened on earth between Dragon Kings, the humans” etc. I skip over those parts because it feels long-winded, and it jars me out of the story’s momentum.
There is one aspect that I really liked. It is small, but it piqued my curiosity and interest. The tomte. I have never heard of this species/creature before. Learning about new species is always fun for me.
Derek wakes with no recollection of his past. All he knows is what Meina tells him, yet he is hesitant to believe the Star Person. Derek cannot forget the faceless woman who has been haunting his dreams. Derek believes the Dragon Kings and the hellhound is responsible for all his losses. However, something about the hellhound feels familiar. Will Derek regain his missing memories? Or will it be too late? And who can Derek trust?
I am still not enamored with the hellhound- angle. I hoped that my opinion would change with the second part. Perhaps, if Kora morphed/shape-changed into a canine form like the Dragon Kings did, I would have liked her better. Hellhounds are not really my favorite kind of supernatural creatures. That could be my hangup. Derek and Kora are okay – they never really changed my feelings and thoughts about them from the first book. Neither really grabbed me or invested me.
THE UNCROWNED KING is the final book in Donna Grant’s fantasy-romance series, THE BASTARD DUOLOGY. The story picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. So, it is necessary to read THE BASTARD KING before venturing into this one.
I have a couple of nitpicks, things that just did not work for me. The first one is that there were too many characters mentioned. This boggled down the pacing. They had no real purpose in and with the plot. I feel for new readers it would be too overwhelming and confusing.
Another nitpick of mine is the repetitious retelling of the Dragon Kings’ plight on Earth as dialogue. Long time readers and fans of the DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS series already know the tale. I feel the author can get away with “and so they/he/she explained what happened on earth between Dragon Kings, the humans” etc. I skip over those parts because it feels long-winded, and it jars me out of the story’s momentum.
There is one aspect that I really liked. It is small, but it piqued my curiosity and interest. The tomte. I have never heard of this species/creature before. Learning about new species is always fun for me.
January 16, 2025
Allow me to set the scene, darlings: if you're strolling into Donna Grant’s Dark Universe for the first time with The Uncrowned King, stop right there. It would be like waltzing into the middle of a masquerade ball without a mask—confusing, out of place, and utterly missing the magic. This is the second book in the Bastard Duology, and trust me, the intricate web of lore and character dynamics demands (nay, deserves) the respect of a proper introduction through its predecessors.
Now, onto the main event: Derek and Kora. Their story picks up after a cliffhanger that had us all dangling precariously on the edge of a narrative abyss. This tale is not just a love story; it’s a vivid tapestry of loyalty, found family, and unwavering friendship. The chemistry between these two is electrifying, the kind that makes you grip the book tighter and mutter “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m.
Donna Grant, in her infinite genius, once again proves that her imagination is boundless—a veritable river that flows with fresh stories, fiendish villains, and, oh yes, unrelenting passion. The world she builds is so vibrant, so textured, it practically leaps off the page. You don’t read The Uncrowned King; you live it. Each word feels like a portal, dropping you smack-dab into battles that are as epic as they are magical, and moments of romance that simmer with just the right amount of tension.
But what truly sets this book apart is its connectivity. Grant’s Dark Universe doesn’t just expand; it evolves. After so many books, you’d think the threads might fray or the shine might dull—but no. It remains an unbroken, gleaming tapestry, tying this duology seamlessly into the larger universe.
And about that ending: yes, we get the much-deserved HEA (for now—because nothing is ever truly settled in a Grant book, is it?). But the lingering threads left untied? They’re the kind of deliciously maddening hooks that will have me stalking release dates for the next installment like a hawk.
So, here’s my verdict: The Uncrowned King is a triumph. It’s passionate, it’s immersive, and it’s unapologetically fantastical. If you haven’t yet delved into the Dark Universe, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. For those of us already caught in its thrall, this book is yet another jewel in Donna Grant’s glittering crown.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here impatiently waiting for whatever comes next. 👑
Now, onto the main event: Derek and Kora. Their story picks up after a cliffhanger that had us all dangling precariously on the edge of a narrative abyss. This tale is not just a love story; it’s a vivid tapestry of loyalty, found family, and unwavering friendship. The chemistry between these two is electrifying, the kind that makes you grip the book tighter and mutter “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m.
Donna Grant, in her infinite genius, once again proves that her imagination is boundless—a veritable river that flows with fresh stories, fiendish villains, and, oh yes, unrelenting passion. The world she builds is so vibrant, so textured, it practically leaps off the page. You don’t read The Uncrowned King; you live it. Each word feels like a portal, dropping you smack-dab into battles that are as epic as they are magical, and moments of romance that simmer with just the right amount of tension.
But what truly sets this book apart is its connectivity. Grant’s Dark Universe doesn’t just expand; it evolves. After so many books, you’d think the threads might fray or the shine might dull—but no. It remains an unbroken, gleaming tapestry, tying this duology seamlessly into the larger universe.
And about that ending: yes, we get the much-deserved HEA (for now—because nothing is ever truly settled in a Grant book, is it?). But the lingering threads left untied? They’re the kind of deliciously maddening hooks that will have me stalking release dates for the next installment like a hawk.
So, here’s my verdict: The Uncrowned King is a triumph. It’s passionate, it’s immersive, and it’s unapologetically fantastical. If you haven’t yet delved into the Dark Universe, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. For those of us already caught in its thrall, this book is yet another jewel in Donna Grant’s glittering crown.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here impatiently waiting for whatever comes next. 👑
April 10, 2025
Book: The Uncrowned King
Author:Donna Grant
Series: The Bastard Duology
Book Length: 319 Pages
Publisher: DL Grant, LLC
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
I would burn the world for him…
My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.
Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us.
Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.
My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence….The second installment and duology conclusion.
The Uncrowned King
By Donna Grant
This is the second book in the duology which started right where it left off in The Bastard King cliffhanger. In this book we discover more complicity between Miena & Villette’s with the duration of Derek's previous life. Is Villete even a person to be trusted? Another question to question is if they had a harmful effect on his magic or put the magic in jeopardy? Also what makes Derek give him enough power so the Star person can’t break into his power? Is it even possible? Will Dereck and Kora ever trust Villette again?
Derek continues to discover answers from species on Zora while Koro looks for allie’s in people she previously had despised .On top of that the dragon Kings are doing what they can to help Zora and Dereck? However will it be enough?
Another book that I absolutely devoured in the second part of this duology that connects to th re upcoming Dragon Iong series.
Another magnificent novel that I could not put down! This has a magical world that draws you in and you never want to let go. It is detailed with rich storylines with so many multi-dimensional characters. Another riveting book I could not put down!
Will Kora and Derek get that happily ever after story line and what is the connection with the Dragon Kings upcoming series. Read and discover their fate in the The Bastard Duology. Another book that readers will absolutely love! I highly recommend The Bastard King and The Uncrowned King where readers finally discover the conclusion and Dereck and Kora’s fate. What a mind blowing masterpiece! A definite 6 star read for me!
Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.
Author:Donna Grant
Series: The Bastard Duology
Book Length: 319 Pages
Publisher: DL Grant, LLC
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
I would burn the world for him…
My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.
Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us.
Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.
My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence….The second installment and duology conclusion.
The Uncrowned King
By Donna Grant
This is the second book in the duology which started right where it left off in The Bastard King cliffhanger. In this book we discover more complicity between Miena & Villette’s with the duration of Derek's previous life. Is Villete even a person to be trusted? Another question to question is if they had a harmful effect on his magic or put the magic in jeopardy? Also what makes Derek give him enough power so the Star person can’t break into his power? Is it even possible? Will Dereck and Kora ever trust Villette again?
Derek continues to discover answers from species on Zora while Koro looks for allie’s in people she previously had despised .On top of that the dragon Kings are doing what they can to help Zora and Dereck? However will it be enough?
Another book that I absolutely devoured in the second part of this duology that connects to th re upcoming Dragon Iong series.
Another magnificent novel that I could not put down! This has a magical world that draws you in and you never want to let go. It is detailed with rich storylines with so many multi-dimensional characters. Another riveting book I could not put down!
Will Kora and Derek get that happily ever after story line and what is the connection with the Dragon Kings upcoming series. Read and discover their fate in the The Bastard Duology. Another book that readers will absolutely love! I highly recommend The Bastard King and The Uncrowned King where readers finally discover the conclusion and Dereck and Kora’s fate. What a mind blowing masterpiece! A definite 6 star read for me!
Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.
January 16, 2025
When I started the book, I immediately realised the mistake. I haven't read the first one in the duet. But it just tells you how great this book is because I still managed every second of it. Donna Grant's Dragon shifter books are a must read if you love shifter romance. Derek and Kora's adventure was absolutely thrilling and heart wrecking. Full of action, suspense and twists..The Uncrowned King was irresistible.
The book starts at the point when the evil Star People Mirena makes Derek disappear in middle of a battle..and her other evil sister gets caught in Kora's Hellhound fire. She obliterated his memory and put false vicious ideas in his head about Dragon Kings and Hellhounds. Kora won't stop till she gets Derek back. It's an uphill battle against some really dangerous powers.
Derek isn't like other Dragons. He was created by Mirena's magic and a part of her evil plan to kill all the dragons. But he resisted consistently and his mind was repeatedly played with. The Hellhounds and Dragons are enemies as per their history. But he met Kora and their hearts got connected. Kora denied her roots for a long time but now it's time to embrace her magic and get her mate back. She was incredibly brave and resilient. She opened her heart to new ideas and new association against her past. For Derek, she was ready to do anything. Her love changed everything. Derek could fight against Mirena's manipulations because of her love in his subconscious mind. It was a lot complicated and he almost lost her while his memories were gone. But finally they joined their powers to beat the evil. Their love was strong and their bond was unbreakable even at the face of adversities. I loved meeting some of my favorite Dragon Kings and their mates again. Their loyalty and connection is epic as always. This story is full of dramatic events, epic battles of magic and heartaching love. Another winner from Donna Grant.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
The book starts at the point when the evil Star People Mirena makes Derek disappear in middle of a battle..and her other evil sister gets caught in Kora's Hellhound fire. She obliterated his memory and put false vicious ideas in his head about Dragon Kings and Hellhounds. Kora won't stop till she gets Derek back. It's an uphill battle against some really dangerous powers.
Derek isn't like other Dragons. He was created by Mirena's magic and a part of her evil plan to kill all the dragons. But he resisted consistently and his mind was repeatedly played with. The Hellhounds and Dragons are enemies as per their history. But he met Kora and their hearts got connected. Kora denied her roots for a long time but now it's time to embrace her magic and get her mate back. She was incredibly brave and resilient. She opened her heart to new ideas and new association against her past. For Derek, she was ready to do anything. Her love changed everything. Derek could fight against Mirena's manipulations because of her love in his subconscious mind. It was a lot complicated and he almost lost her while his memories were gone. But finally they joined their powers to beat the evil. Their love was strong and their bond was unbreakable even at the face of adversities. I loved meeting some of my favorite Dragon Kings and their mates again. Their loyalty and connection is epic as always. This story is full of dramatic events, epic battles of magic and heartaching love. Another winner from Donna Grant.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 14, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest opinion and this is what I'm sharing. This is a continuation of the first book, The Bastard King. First, let go back a minute. The first book ends in a cliffhanger which can be frustrating, but this second book finished the initial story quite well. Kora and Derek are two new characters within the Dragon King world and I really like where the author goes with Derek, in fact, I hope to see him and his particular abilities, in future books (can’t share here because probable spoiler).
In the earlier book, we discover that Kora is a hellhound; a mortal enemy of the Star People and thought to be extinct by dragons. We pick up after Kora and Derek have fallen in love, but nothing is ever that simple. Kora is still being hunted; Derek, if you recall, has had his mind tampered with and that’s never a good thing; Villette’s back again and we have several more Star People including Eurielle, Lottie and her mate, Alasdair from Dragon Arisen, and the latest villain, Miena. I loved how evil Miena is in this story. She is a true villainess and while you want the HEA and the “good guys” to win, you want an evil character that is over the top. She is so bad, that you look forward to her comeuppance.
The battles between Kora, the dragons and Miena (and the soldiers of Stonemore) are well written. The interactions between Derek and Kora are hot and sexy (just as you would expect from Donna’s books). Con, Rhi, Brandr, Merrill and more of the dragons are in the story, plus we find out what has happened to the dragons taken by Villette. There is a very nice epilogue to this story as well. Really liked this book, only a minor thing for me was that I thought the story was just a tiny bit longer than necessary but that’s on me, I just wanted to get to the big battle you knew had to be coming.
In the earlier book, we discover that Kora is a hellhound; a mortal enemy of the Star People and thought to be extinct by dragons. We pick up after Kora and Derek have fallen in love, but nothing is ever that simple. Kora is still being hunted; Derek, if you recall, has had his mind tampered with and that’s never a good thing; Villette’s back again and we have several more Star People including Eurielle, Lottie and her mate, Alasdair from Dragon Arisen, and the latest villain, Miena. I loved how evil Miena is in this story. She is a true villainess and while you want the HEA and the “good guys” to win, you want an evil character that is over the top. She is so bad, that you look forward to her comeuppance.
The battles between Kora, the dragons and Miena (and the soldiers of Stonemore) are well written. The interactions between Derek and Kora are hot and sexy (just as you would expect from Donna’s books). Con, Rhi, Brandr, Merrill and more of the dragons are in the story, plus we find out what has happened to the dragons taken by Villette. There is a very nice epilogue to this story as well. Really liked this book, only a minor thing for me was that I thought the story was just a tiny bit longer than necessary but that’s on me, I just wanted to get to the big battle you knew had to be coming.
February 27, 2025
Once again, I wish there was an option for partial stars. I would give this a 3.5 stars.
Donna Grant's The Uncrowned King, the concluding installment of The Bastard Duology, delivers a satisfying, albeit slightly uneven, finish to Derek and Kora's story. The book ultimately proved to be an engaging and action-packed read and one I'd readily recommend to friends.
Picking up directly after the cliffhanger from The Bastard King, The Uncrowned King immediately immerses the reader back into the intricate world of dragons, magic, and political intrigue. The evolving dynamic between Derek and Kora is a highlight, with Derek's struggle to reconcile his lost memories with his present circumstances adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Grant excels at crafting compelling battle scenes, and this book is no exception, delivering thrilling action sequences that kept me turning the pages.
However, the pacing felt less consistent than in the first book. The introduction of numerous new characters, while expanding the world, also led to moments of confusion as I struggled to keep track of everyone. Familiarity with Grant's Dragon Kings series would undoubtedly enhance the reading experience, as the sheer volume of characters and lore might overwhelm those new to the author's work. I also craved more world-building; while the action was plentiful, a deeper exploration of the setting would have enriched the overall experience.
Despite these minor criticisms, The Uncrowned King is a solid conclusion to The Bastard Duology. It's an exciting, action-driven story that explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity. While I'm not sure if I'll revisit these books in the future, I'd confidently recommend them to fans of romance and fantasy who enjoy complex characters and thrilling battles.
Donna Grant's The Uncrowned King, the concluding installment of The Bastard Duology, delivers a satisfying, albeit slightly uneven, finish to Derek and Kora's story. The book ultimately proved to be an engaging and action-packed read and one I'd readily recommend to friends.
Picking up directly after the cliffhanger from The Bastard King, The Uncrowned King immediately immerses the reader back into the intricate world of dragons, magic, and political intrigue. The evolving dynamic between Derek and Kora is a highlight, with Derek's struggle to reconcile his lost memories with his present circumstances adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Grant excels at crafting compelling battle scenes, and this book is no exception, delivering thrilling action sequences that kept me turning the pages.
However, the pacing felt less consistent than in the first book. The introduction of numerous new characters, while expanding the world, also led to moments of confusion as I struggled to keep track of everyone. Familiarity with Grant's Dragon Kings series would undoubtedly enhance the reading experience, as the sheer volume of characters and lore might overwhelm those new to the author's work. I also craved more world-building; while the action was plentiful, a deeper exploration of the setting would have enriched the overall experience.
Despite these minor criticisms, The Uncrowned King is a solid conclusion to The Bastard Duology. It's an exciting, action-driven story that explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity. While I'm not sure if I'll revisit these books in the future, I'd confidently recommend them to fans of romance and fantasy who enjoy complex characters and thrilling battles.
March 25, 2025
“If she was all she claimed to be, nothing would stand in the way of her doing what she wanted.” - Kora
“He, who had sworn to keep her safe, had brought her misery.” - Derek
“It had taken her countless attempts to create him, but she had dome it once and she could do it again.” - Miena
Being new to Donna Grant’s Dragon Kings universe, The Uncrowned King felt like getting tossed into the deep end without a life vest. It did pick up right at book one's cliffhanger, but then things went haywire. The book is a massive info dump, overwhelmed with new species and characters, which never really gave me the breathing room I deserved. For longtime fans, it might be smooth sailing. Returning readers will likely appreciate the continuity and understand the references, but for newcomers such as myself, it’s chaotic and frustrating.
The writing style hasn’t evolved from the first book. It’s choppy and abrupt, with a casual tone that comes off lazy. Perhaps that’s the English Lit and Creative Writing major in me. With the number of books Grant released in this series alone, I'm disappointed to see little growth in narrative skill. It honestly feels like she’s chosen not to improve. Character POVs shift often and abruptly, sometimes within the same chapter. Though there are clear visual breaks to help keep track, it disrupts the flow. I found myself skimming this book more than reading, which is never a good sign.
While it was somewhat satisfying to get answers and move the overall story forward, the journey felt hollow. Loyal readers will find enjoyment from Grant's predictable writing style, but I wouldn’t recommend it to newcomers.
Thanks to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and submitted using an academic writing style.
More reviews on Instagram @the.alis.trials
“He, who had sworn to keep her safe, had brought her misery.” - Derek
“It had taken her countless attempts to create him, but she had dome it once and she could do it again.” - Miena
Being new to Donna Grant’s Dragon Kings universe, The Uncrowned King felt like getting tossed into the deep end without a life vest. It did pick up right at book one's cliffhanger, but then things went haywire. The book is a massive info dump, overwhelmed with new species and characters, which never really gave me the breathing room I deserved. For longtime fans, it might be smooth sailing. Returning readers will likely appreciate the continuity and understand the references, but for newcomers such as myself, it’s chaotic and frustrating.
The writing style hasn’t evolved from the first book. It’s choppy and abrupt, with a casual tone that comes off lazy. Perhaps that’s the English Lit and Creative Writing major in me. With the number of books Grant released in this series alone, I'm disappointed to see little growth in narrative skill. It honestly feels like she’s chosen not to improve. Character POVs shift often and abruptly, sometimes within the same chapter. Though there are clear visual breaks to help keep track, it disrupts the flow. I found myself skimming this book more than reading, which is never a good sign.
While it was somewhat satisfying to get answers and move the overall story forward, the journey felt hollow. Loyal readers will find enjoyment from Grant's predictable writing style, but I wouldn’t recommend it to newcomers.
Thanks to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and submitted using an academic writing style.
More reviews on Instagram @the.alis.trials
Read
January 7, 2025The Uncrowned King is the second, and final book in the Dark Universe Duology (companion novels to the Dragon Kings) that’s set on Zora and is the continuation of Kora and Derek’s story that began in the Bastard King. While you could read this as a standalone, you’re going to be missing some really important background. The rest of this review contains spoilers - DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BASTARD KING.
The Uncrowned King picks up with Kora and Merrill desperate to find Derek who was kidnapped by Meina (Vilette’s sister) who Kora released from captivity thinking she would help them defeat Villette. Meina created Derek and his “brothers” and was imprisoned by Villette in an effort to contain her after she found out how Meina continued to increase her powers. Once she’s released, Meina wipes Derek’s memories and sends him on a path to destroy the Dragon Kings and Hellhounds.
Merrill contacts Rhi to get help from the Dragon Kings and Merrill and Kora are taken to meet with the Kings and their mates to come up with a plan to find Derek and defeat Meina (with Villette’s help).
Once Derek’s memories are returned Meina ups the stakes and kidnaps and tortures Kora in Stonemore. The Dragon Kings (Con and Rhi), the twins, Lotti/Alasdair and other ally’s (Eurielle) fight to save Kora and defeat Meina.
Derek and Kora find their HEA and I expect that there’s more to come between Merrill and Villete. THE UNCROWNED KING also opens the door for additional arcs (on different planets/ realms) with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and Tomte’s. Another great book from Donna Grant!
The Uncrowned King picks up with Kora and Merrill desperate to find Derek who was kidnapped by Meina (Vilette’s sister) who Kora released from captivity thinking she would help them defeat Villette. Meina created Derek and his “brothers” and was imprisoned by Villette in an effort to contain her after she found out how Meina continued to increase her powers. Once she’s released, Meina wipes Derek’s memories and sends him on a path to destroy the Dragon Kings and Hellhounds.
Merrill contacts Rhi to get help from the Dragon Kings and Merrill and Kora are taken to meet with the Kings and their mates to come up with a plan to find Derek and defeat Meina (with Villette’s help).
Once Derek’s memories are returned Meina ups the stakes and kidnaps and tortures Kora in Stonemore. The Dragon Kings (Con and Rhi), the twins, Lotti/Alasdair and other ally’s (Eurielle) fight to save Kora and defeat Meina.
Derek and Kora find their HEA and I expect that there’s more to come between Merrill and Villete. THE UNCROWNED KING also opens the door for additional arcs (on different planets/ realms) with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and Tomte’s. Another great book from Donna Grant!
January 13, 2025
Will Zora let the Bastard King and the Hellhound have their happily ever after?
This is the second book in Donna Grant’s Bastard duology – and it picks up right after The Bastard King ended.
We learn more about Miena & Villette’s involvement with Derek over his lifetime. The big question is what effect their involvement has had on his magic? Will what makes him a Dragon King be enough to break through the level of a Star person’s magic? Derek is set on discovering the truth on his own but does get some help from a formerly unknown species of magic being on Zora, one whose brethren have a good network for communication to share their knowledge.
While Derek is searching for answers, Kora finds allies in those she always believed were enemies. The other Dragon Kings are doing what they can for Kora as well as for Derek because even though only Merrill has met him, they all are leaning towards seeing him as family. But is the situation dire enough for the Kings, and Kora, to trust Villette?
As usual, Donna Grant has broadened and enriched her Dark world with Derek & Kora’s stories. Though it seemed to me that Derek;s story was not as tied to the Kings as most of her protagonists have been, I was wrong. We are shown a glimpse of how everything that has happened on Zora since the dragons were sent there seems to be connected to the dangers are favorite characters are now facing. I really enjoyed this conclusion (not really, you know there is more story!) to the Bastard duology and can’t wait to see how what was revealed in this story affects what is yet to come.
This is the second book in Donna Grant’s Bastard duology – and it picks up right after The Bastard King ended.
We learn more about Miena & Villette’s involvement with Derek over his lifetime. The big question is what effect their involvement has had on his magic? Will what makes him a Dragon King be enough to break through the level of a Star person’s magic? Derek is set on discovering the truth on his own but does get some help from a formerly unknown species of magic being on Zora, one whose brethren have a good network for communication to share their knowledge.
While Derek is searching for answers, Kora finds allies in those she always believed were enemies. The other Dragon Kings are doing what they can for Kora as well as for Derek because even though only Merrill has met him, they all are leaning towards seeing him as family. But is the situation dire enough for the Kings, and Kora, to trust Villette?
As usual, Donna Grant has broadened and enriched her Dark world with Derek & Kora’s stories. Though it seemed to me that Derek;s story was not as tied to the Kings as most of her protagonists have been, I was wrong. We are shown a glimpse of how everything that has happened on Zora since the dragons were sent there seems to be connected to the dangers are favorite characters are now facing. I really enjoyed this conclusion (not really, you know there is more story!) to the Bastard duology and can’t wait to see how what was revealed in this story affects what is yet to come.
January 7, 2025
The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant
Second in a Dragon King Duology
~ Tidy conclusion to the duology ~ Glad everything worked out for Kora and Derek…eventually ~
What I liked:
* Returning the magical world of dragons and other interesting magical beings
* The tie-ins to characters remembered from previous books
* Kora: believes she is the last of her species, has lived a long time, has paranormal abilities, wants to reunite with Derek, only one who can kill the evil Star Person, learns a lot and grows in this story, suffers a great deal through the story
* Derek: a dragon shifter, has magical abilities, has memory issues that eventually are resolved, learns and grows, meets more dragon shifters that he may join with in the future
* Ash: a tomte who is invisible to most, helpful to Derek, wonder if he will be seen again
* The alliance made with the dragon kings and how it works out
* The way Three Star Persons rally forces to try and take down the evil fourth one
* The strong friendships and bonds of those in the dragon kingdom
* That it was easy to hate the villains
* That all of the main threads were tied up at the end of the story – do wonder what will happen to Villettte and Eurielle
* All of it except…
What I didn’t’ like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The Star Person who was evil to the nth degree and so deserved to die
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 – 5 Stars
Second in a Dragon King Duology
~ Tidy conclusion to the duology ~ Glad everything worked out for Kora and Derek…eventually ~
What I liked:
* Returning the magical world of dragons and other interesting magical beings
* The tie-ins to characters remembered from previous books
* Kora: believes she is the last of her species, has lived a long time, has paranormal abilities, wants to reunite with Derek, only one who can kill the evil Star Person, learns a lot and grows in this story, suffers a great deal through the story
* Derek: a dragon shifter, has magical abilities, has memory issues that eventually are resolved, learns and grows, meets more dragon shifters that he may join with in the future
* Ash: a tomte who is invisible to most, helpful to Derek, wonder if he will be seen again
* The alliance made with the dragon kings and how it works out
* The way Three Star Persons rally forces to try and take down the evil fourth one
* The strong friendships and bonds of those in the dragon kingdom
* That it was easy to hate the villains
* That all of the main threads were tied up at the end of the story – do wonder what will happen to Villettte and Eurielle
* All of it except…
What I didn’t’ like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The Star Person who was evil to the nth degree and so deserved to die
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 – 5 Stars
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