The King of Silvers. Cunning, perceptive, resourceful. Determined. Banished from Dreagan eons ago because of a betrayal that shattered his entire existence, his sole focus in life is to exact revenge against the Dragon Kings. A formidable fighter with centuries of rage on his side, Ulrik will stop at nothing to take down those who exiled him.
He has been alone, trusting no one for thousands of years. Until she walks into his life. He should not yearn for her, but there is no stopping the fiercely burning attraction. When he’s with her, he isn’t thinking of war or revenge. He only thinks of her, craves her. Burns for her. But soon he will be forced to choose: Will he continue on his course of destruction or will he be able to set aside his vengeance to save the woman who risked everything for him.
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
I love this book. I’ve been waiting for this to happen forever!! I know I’m behind on current books in the series but I’m getting caught up. Amazing book and finally it’s all coming together!
I think Torched has been one of the most anticipated stories of this series. Ulrick has been banished from Draegan for centuries and has been building up his revenge and challenge to Con all this time. There may be spoilers for the previous books in this review so if you haven't started the Dark Kings yet, you may want to stay away from this review.
I know Ulrick is supposed to be an evil character and he started out on my bad side with a lot of the things he had done. But when it came to light that he actually didn't do all the things he was being accused of doing, I felt hope for him in my heart. He did still conspire with the Dark Fae, but he continued his friendship with Rhi. Rhi wouldn't have put up with him too much if she thought he was pure evil. After the discovery of the other dragon seeking revenge, Ulrick seemed to get more defensive of the Dragon Kings. For me, all the bad stuff fell to the other guy.
Ulrick is fearless and confident. His approach to handling his intended killer was pure Ulrick. So self-confident. But I love that she was able to bring out even more of the man of mystery and make you feel things for him. We know his story all along throughout the series, but you don't really get Ulrick's true feelings of betrayal and loss. Those feelings really come through in Torched and Ulrick tore open my heart and moved right in.
After all that Ulrick faces in Torched, alongside his potential mate, I think the book worked towards a compromise I really agreed with and was happy about. I'm not sure how things will continue because there are still wars to fight, and there are still Dragon Kings to find their mates, but I felt like this book was a BIG one, that has the potential to steer the series into a new direction.
Torched was definitely emotional and there were a lot of ups and downs for both our main characters. I love these two as a couple. They compliment each other so well and she doesn't put up with any of his crap. I look forward to how the Dragon Kings will contain the remaining conflicts in their lives. I'm also a little concerned for humans, but I think there are enough human mates that the possibility of the dragons turning against humanity is slim. The build up to the upcoming wars is exciting and we have a major power that needs put in her place. But who is going to be the one to do it! I can't wait to find out. I'm also still desperate to find out who Rhi's Dragon King was and if they will ever come together again.
It is the most powerful redemption book that I have ever read that Ms. Grant have written. After Phelan and Aisley's story, I thought that was the best redemption..since Aisley was a focal point, then it was Dale. But I was wrong.
The King of Silvers, Ulrik, topped all of them.
It was a heartbreaking journey. From book one, up to this book. The tears I have shed, each time his past was shown with the previous books, I wanted to get the the whole story...however, reading parts of it, and reading the whole thing from his POV hurts more.
The emotions, both past, present, and the future are combined to in this book. It is hard to form words when you can feel the tears falling down on your cheeks. There is too much emotions in the book that you would like to be in it, just to ease the pain of the people I am reading.
A book like no other, Ulrik's story takes us in a whirlwind of emotions. Each page is full of doubt, betrayal, revenge, a thirst of power...but most importantly, it teaches us that love does heal. All you have to do is accept, to forgive, and to realize that each person has a different way to protect the people around them.
Brava, Ms. Grant! This is one amazing book, and I cannot wait to read the others.
I have anxiously waited from the beginning for Ulrick's story. I could not even begin to imagine how it would all turn out or what the author had in mind for his story. This book exceeded my expectations. Fabulous way to resolve this untenable situation. Happy, as well, to see Erith ("Death" from the spin off series "Reapers") finally reveal herself to Con. But, oh, the new scenarios that were set up at the end of this book! Keep them coming! It is a great series.
This is the book we have all been waiting for and it did not disappoint!
Ulrik has been waiting for revenge for thousands of years but now he has a new target, Mikkel his uncle. Eilish has been told by Mikkel to kill Ulrik. She doesn’t want to though because she knows she can’t and that Ulrik is the true king of the silvers. She can’t stop thinking about Ulrick, nor he her. Slowly with each interaction they grow closer and start to trust again.
Ulrik and Eilish’s relationship was beautiful. I loved every minute of it. Eilish was perfect for Ulrik. She saw through his protective shell and brought out the old Ulrik. She taught him to trust again. They gave each other their missing families and made them whole again. Their relationship was filled with love, fear, danger and also peace.
“When they were together, they were the only two people in the entire world. The past hurts and grievances and present pain and anger couldn’t touch them.”
A lot of new developments in the story happened as well. Mikkel’s crimes are finally brought to light and revenge is had. Usaeil has finally snapped and gone after both Con and Rhi. New updates on the mysterious weapon. I couldn’t put this book down. I love that this book was just as good the second time around.
Okay so I don't want to give anything away since if you are like me and have followed the series you have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for this book.
Ulrik The ultimate bad guy. The one who would not stop until he destroys the King of Kings and then unleashes his fury on the mortals, eliminating them from this world.
Eilish Druid who has a mysterious past. A pawn for another evil man.
What happens when their paths cross and neither of them is ready for the sparks that fly.
OMG! I hoped that Donna would make good on her promise to give us some answers and closure on some issues the Kings have faced. Unfortunately we still don't know who Rhi's king is....but that's okay. You would not believe some of this information we get. Oh and Erith (Death) makes an appearance. Usuck, like that name better for her, is in for a few surprises and now, it's on. The gloves are off, let's get ready to rumble!
The "weapon" is missing....only spoiler you get.
I will say this though, there were a couple of moments where a tear or two might have been shed. But at the end, if you are devoted to the Kings you are going to be happy. Things are going to be okay....
I have looked forward to Ulrik's story and this did not disappoint! OMG, I loved every second of it. It is 386 pages long and I read it in one day; it was perfect and handled the backstory well and it was believable as Ulrik slowly came back into the fold with Con and Dreagan. Eilish was a strong, well developed character who was a perfect match for Ulrik. Their chemistry was explosive and they worked well together. I liked that she didn't push him or try to change him, which I believe is why she was able to win his love in the end. It this installment we do have an epic battle between Mikkel and Usaeil vs. Con and Ulrik (that is right they fight side-by-side). So many pieces are being moved around and Donna Grant does a really good job keeping the plot and conflicts moving along without getting confusing or complicated. Everything flows together well. I am not going to talk about any of the plot developments because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but know that it is awesome and things that we want to happen, happen.
This novel is #13 in the series, "Dark Kings" by author; Donna Grant. This was one seriously powerful novel in the series so far. Talk about a novel about redemption, doubt, betrayal, love and forgiveness. Holy Smokes, this novel definitely had it all!!! OMG, I LOVED it!! The HOT Scottish alpha male that's able to shift into his natural form as a dragon and his story! It wasn't always the case if you have read any of the novels from the beginning. His story is brought up in every novel however, this story was about him and what he endured. It was truly an amazing read! If you are in a book rut then this series and author are definitely worth your time! You won't be disappointed! It's definitely a dragon ride!
Fans waited a long time for Ulrik's book. It was worth the wait. Ms. Grant did a fantastic job on his story and I loved the conclusion. It was the perfect ending.
Wow! I just finished Ulrik’s story and I’m so, so happy. Through all the 12 books I’ve always rooted for Ulrik. I never wanted him to be totally bad, never wanted him to do anything unforgivable. However, I was surprised to see who his love-interest is. She was one I thought was totally going to be bad. But, surprise!
And, jeez, I was surprised to hear what Ulrik’s special kind of magic was. I wondered how he’d saved Lily several books back but now I know. It’s awesome. I’m so glad Ulrik got his HEA.
Again it was so nice seeing so much of Rhi and Constantine in this book. And it’s almost past time for them to take care of Usaeil, the Fae Queen, who’s been a piece of crap for the past few books.
There was explicit sex in this, a couple of times, and the F-bomb was used 16 times.
As to the narration: Sometimes I can stand Antony Ferguson but sometimes I can’t. This was a can’t time. His women’s voices were just bad and when he did speak for a woman there is not an ounce of emotion in his voice, making the conversation totally ridiculous.
I am a HUGE fan of Donna Grant’s books and in particular the Dark Kings series and this is the one that I had been waiting for – Ulrik’s story!!
I have to say that I thought that the plot line was superb, it was completely addictive and I loved the story right from the outset. It was a complete page turner and I thought it had a brilliant ending. The book is fantasy but it is so realistic too with excellent characterisation and people you can really feel for.
It was great to be able to catch up with the main characters again and I was left shocked and angry as the story behind Ulrik’s past was finally revealed. I had really high expectations for this book and Donna Grant more than met them with what she has crafted.
No hesitation in giving this one 5 stars, it is for me the best book released to date in the series and wrapped up so many loose ends – I can’t wait to see how the story develops going forward now – very highly recommended!!
The most anticipated installment since the series’ inception does not disappoint!
He needed no one. For to trust was to be betrayed.
There’s no doubt that Torched by Donna Grant has been the most anticipated installment since the series’ inception! I’m a huge fan of Grant’s and her Dark Kings’ series. Ulrik’s story is hands-down one of the most powerful redemption books I’ve ever read and unquestionably my favorite of the entire series. If you are a newbie to Grant’s Dark Kings, they are men of power and magic who can shift into dragon form and have ruled over all other creatures for millenniums. When humans appeared, the Dark Kings protected them until they were betrayed and thousands of dragons were killed. The betrayal was made worse when they discovered that it came from a woman who had vowed to love one of the Dragon Kings – namely, Ulrik.
Ulrik is the King of the Silvers. He has been banished from the home of the Dragon Kings, Draegan in Scotland, for centuries. All this time, Ulrik has been building up his revenge and planning his expected challenge to his former brother, Con, the King of Kings. Ulrik has been painted as a super villain since the beginning. Grant’s heroes are especially delicious, and Ulrik is no exception. It’s amazing how having a new love in your life can change your perceptions and outlook.
That said, each page of Torched is teeming with doubts, betrayals, plans for revenge, and power plays. But, in the end, Ulrik’s story teaches us that love heals. His long-awaited tale told from his point-of-view tore at my heart and Grant succeeded in making me want to let him in.
The druid heroine in this tale has appeared in a few prior installments where she, too, has been villainized. My hat is off to Grant for redeeming them both so splendidly! That’s not to say that their path to redemption is easy. Readers will need to hang on for a roller-coaster ride!
This is the thirteenth installment in this series. I cannot conceive reading this book as a standalone as much that occurs is predicated on the past. However, if you are determined to do so, the romance in this installment is developed and comes to fruition in this book. Just know that there is a complicated overall series arc with many supporting characters with their own subplots. Grant interweaves it all beautifully – but I would think that it would be confusing for a newbie to be assailed with so much. This series is one of my favorite paranormal urban fantasy series. You will not regret starting this series from the beginning and reading it in order.
Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Torched:
“Fate will chew you up and spit you out many times, taking you away from those you love and dumping you into places you never wanted to be. It’s up to each of us where we choose to belong. We can either fight everything, or accept what we’re given and make the most of it” --- “You and me,” Ulrik said. “No friendship has ever been stronger, and there’s nothing that will ever tear apart our bond.” Con looked at him, a wide smile in place. “Brothers.” “Brothers.” --- “Do you normally take the time to get to know those you’re sent to kill?” --- “We talked about a lot of things yesterday…” She nodded, frowning. “Yep. Like the fact that you haven’t watched Guardians of the Galaxy. We need to remedy that. Actually, I need to baptize you in the entire Marvel Universe.” “As you wish…” --- They came together in a tangle of limbs as they touched each other, the kiss wild and feverish. A groan tore from him as her hands roved over his shoulders and down his back. Her caress was light and sensual, as if her desire seeped like magic from her fingertips into his skin everywhere she touched.
Torched contains jaw dropping revelations, kickass battles, steamy love fests, and fabulous twists that will keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. This emotional-whirlwind-of-a-story marks a BIG development in the series and is one that should not be missed if you are a fan. I confess that Torched kept me up until 3am on a workday – because there was no way I could put it down until I’d read every single word! It was a treat to see so much of Rhi and Constantine in this book. I am delighted that it appears that the time is fast approaching for thorn-in-our-side Usaeil, the Light Fae Queen, to be dealt a huge dose of comeuppance. I was also happy to see Erith aka “Death" from the Reapers spin-off series finally reveal herself to Con. I will be kept busy pondering over the many revelations herein until the next books.
Thankfully, next month will see two releases in this series: Dragon Night and DragonFire! Generating so much excitement over a book’s release is quite an accomplishment for Grant this many books into the series. She has managed to keep this series feeling fresh and interesting. She certainly did an exceptional job with this book. Bravos to Grant on such an amazing story! I’m still blown away days later!
Torched Dark Kings, Book #13 By Donna Grant ISBN# 9781250109590 Author’s Website: http://www.donnagrant.com/ Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Ulrik’s life changed when his brethren killed his woman all those years ago. He was filled with so much rage and he lashed out at the only people he could harm; the humans. He ordered his dragons to kill them all and thousands lost their lives before Ulrik was stopped. Several of the other Dragon Kings agreed with Ulrik, but Con decided to uphold the vow they made to protect the mortals, even if they were killing their dragons. The Kings worked together and bound Ulrik’s magic and Con banished him from Dreagan. He ended up going insane from all that was done and he used his need for revenge to claw his way back to sanity. He has found a way to get his magic unbound. Now all that’s left is for him to kill Con and take over the Kings and go back to the land he loves.
Ulrik’s Uncle Mikkel is still a thorn in his side though that must be eliminated. Mikkel was jealous of Ulrik’s father and then Ulrik when they became king of the silvers. Now he has aspirations to kill both Ulrik and Con and become king of kings. And he has enlisted the powerful druid, Eilish, to aid him in his task. He is using information on her mother that she never knew to force her to do his bidding. However, once she meets Ulrik, she starts to question her actions.
Meanwhile, the Kings keep acquiring enemies and things are about to come to a head. There could not be a worse time for Ulrik or Mikkel to finally challenge Con. Will the kings survive what lies ahead or will the sins of their past be their undoing?
I was so excited to see this was Ulrik’s book! I’ve been waiting for him to finally be redeemed throughout the series (and the Reapers series as well). I was expecting a truly epic read, so this story did fall a little flat for me. There was a lot of blah blah blah and then Ulrik found himself in an insta-romance, which was still kind of blah, if I’m being honest. The resolution between him and Con seemed rather instant … too instant really. Which don’t get me wrong, I liked how it all worked out, it just seemed so sudden.
The epilogue was a bit choppy as we got a preview of what is to come. I think we just got a glimpse of Con’s future mate, who we’ve met before if you’ve kept up with this series and the Reapers. There will be one angry actress when she gets wind of it!
Overall this was an okay read, I had just hoped for more out of Ulrik’s story.
“Fate will chew you up and spit you out many times, taking you away from those you love and dumping you into places you never wanted to be. It’s up to each of us where we choose to belong. We can either fight everything, or accept what we’re given and make the most of it–Ulrik”
I've loved Ulrik since day one. Yes, he was the supposed bad guy. But he was very badly treated by his fellow dragons, and that betrayal took him down a very dark path. Which was a shame because it ruined the friendship he had with Con, his very best friend for most of his life, all the way to the day Con betrayed him.
In this book, we find out more about how the whole thing went down. We learn about the peripheral characters involved in his downfall from grace with the dragons. And we meet someone who could just possibly bring him back from the brink.
There is action that flows nicely with the background information. I love the way Donna Grant is able to combine the past with the present to keep us interested without getting confused. I never wonder when I am within the storyline. I always know. She brought issues going on now with the Light Fae Queen Usaeil, with Rhi, with the Dark Fae King, Balladyn, and the Druids along with all the problems Mikkel brought down on Ulrik and the newest character, Eilish. And what unusual Irish names she uses! I love those. My Irish ancestry draws me to the lore, and I've always found their names to be beautiful, lyrical, meaningful.
Yep, I've been in love with these Dragon Kings for a very very long time and now is no exception. This was excellently done, Donna Grant, and I'm can't believe it took me so long to write a review! This is an amazing series. Start with book 1, Darkest Flame, and read your way through all 18 of her books. This one is book 14, so you'll get here eventually. And it's a wonderous road to follow, I promise. Worth every penny!
Donna's authors note in the beginning about how she didn't know if Ulrik could be redeemed is the perfect way to start this book. Over the past few books, we've seen that good and evil aren't always black and white or Dark and Light. Ulrik has had centuries to finesse his plot to challenge Con, destroy the kings and unleash the dragons on earth removing us mortals from it. However, underneath it all, is that what he actually wants?
I loved Eilish and Ulrik together. Donna Grant's characters are strong willed and multi-layered. Eilish's strength, drive, and compassion are what Ulrik needs to realize his quest for vengeance isn't the answer.
I was glad to see the end of some characters and can't wait for the end of a few others. As I've stopped reading the Reaper series after the second book, I was a little surprised to see Bran, Cael, and Death show up here. I'm hoping we don't need to read both series as we get closer the final book in this one. Although reading reviews from the most recent Reaper's book, the crossover seems to be happening. Honestly, I can only handle the drama from one couple that seems to never get together as the series progresses. Hello Rhi and Con?! Not sure I can handle Cael and Death's as well 😉.
Often in life you finally get something you’ve anticipated for a long time and it is a great disappointment..... not this book! I’ve been looking forward to Ukrik’s book forever it seems and boy was it worth the wait. It has everything, it’s exciting, it’s so touching and tender in places , it’s got a brilliant mate for Ulrik who I’ve always loved, and as for the supporting cast? Well it’s got everything! Warriors! It’s got loads of Constantine who is my King... back off ladies. But, maybe best of all Rhi is in this one loads too, and I adore Rhi. I can’t recommend this one enough and I’m going to read it again immediately. I can’t wait for the next one where I hope that B***H Usaeil finally gets demolished once and for all. Grrrrr! I hate that horrible creature!
This book is awesomeness on top of awesomeness! We finally get to read Ulrik's story! Eilish is working for Mikkel in order to get information on her mother. Now Mikkel has moved up his timeline because he no longer has help from the dark fae. So Eilish has two days in which to kill Ulrik. Once she started to get to know Ulrik, she began to have doubts about killing him. Ulrik ends up telling her the whole story about the betrayal and banishment because he starts trusting her when he not trusted anyone else. We learn quite a bit about the different aspects of this series and things are moving forward with a steady pace. So don't miss out on this riviting episode in the Dark King series!
As usual, another awesome read! I couldn't put the book down and devoured it in a day! Love, redemption, forgiveness, and one wale of a cliffhanger! Grab a box of tissues and get lost in the realm of dragons! This book had me crying one minute , then shouting for joy the next! Miss Donna hit a home run with this installment.
It feels like I had been waiting forever to get Ulriks story, and I loved everything about it. I’m a sucker for a good broken hero, and watching the change is Ulrik was everything I wanted and more. I also loved the interactions with him and Con. The immense talent Donna Grant has is amazing because you could feel each one of those interactions come off of the page. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.
5 stars, was knocked down to a generous 4 stars because of the abysmal editing. I expected so much more from Ulrik’s book. There wasn’t even a slow burn to this one. This was Ulrik for God’s sake! This book should have had me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. It was flat. The baddest badass of the Dragon Kings and it was meh.
Yay, Ulrik's book! I've been waiting for this book for almost as long as Rhi's book (hint, hint, Ms. Grant)!! Loved it, especially as there's a ton of plot development in the overall arc. Can't wait for the next one!
OMG! I've cried off and on through this whole book. Part from sadness part from happiness. I read a LOT of books by different authors but I haven't found another that holds your attention like Donna Grant. She has you mind, body and soul from the beginning. Her Dark King series is so fascinating and spellbinding you don't even know you're caught. You must read her books and for goodness sake keep them because you are going to want to read them over and over. There should be more than 5stars for this author.
If someone asked me at the beginning of this series if I would ever love Ulrik or even like him, my answer would have no way! But things change. People change. And thank goodness for that because I really do like Ulrik. And no one is more surprised than me.
It takes something huge and amazing to cause the changes that took place in Ulrik. The women who stopped him thinking about revenge shall remain unnamed in my review. She is unique, though. Unexpected and surprisingly powerful. It's takes a woman like that to grab the attention of Ulrik.
From the very beginning of this series, Ulrik has been the bad guy. Yet it's hard to hate him since he was betrayed by not only the human he loved but the Kings he called brothers. The heat of that moment has lived within him for eons of time. And while he's done bad things, I never saw him as evil. And that has proven out as some of the deeds attributed to him have been shown to not be him at all. But the bitterness in him is not gone. He wants his old friend dead. It's the only way to deal with the betrayal, or so he believes.
Yet life has a way of draining some of the pain away. And others can help us see that revenge is not the right answer. It does nothing to fix the past. I like that this is demonstrated in this book. Ulrik is captivated by this women. She finds in him more than what he believes exists. And a compromise might be possible.
I loved how the story unfolded and kept me hoping yet wondering what would come next. This was one of my favorite books of this series. Because it's not just Ulrik that needs to come to terms with the past. It's not just Ulrik that has been represented as something that doesn't capture all of her. And it's not just Ulrik that needs to understand and heal.
There is a powerful connection between these two. They fight it and they want it in equal measures. They can't seem to resist the force between them. I very much enjoyed the romance and passion that captures these two. Very satisfying.
I can't wait for more from this series. I'm getting caught up on this one and then I'm diving into the spin-off. I can't wait for Con's book. It's all so good. If you love paranormal romance, then this series needs to be on your TBR list.
The King of the Silvers will capture your heart in this one.
Alright, my first thought was "what the he-double hockey sticks is Ms. Grant doing giving him his own book?"
Ms. Grant does a great job bringing Ulrik back into the fold. As well as bringing in Eilish, the Druid, the Kings have all been searching for, although it might take a couple of them a little longer to forgive her. Eilish is perfect for Ulrik, and she helps him back to Dreagan. I loved all the interaction with the other Dragon Kings and their mates, plus more with Cael and Erith (aka Death).
Usaeil has gone off the deep end. And more importantly...who has the sword?
When I first found out that this was Ulrik's book I was pretty excited to see exactly how things would go down that he would find himself back with the other Kings. Because, come on, we all knew it was going to happen sooner rather than later. I was not disappointed. Despite the centuries he has spent hating Con, it still felt completely believable when the two of them finally came back together. And I was so happy for it.
We met Eilish some time back, so we already knew that she aligned herself with Mikkel because he had the information she was seeking about her mother. Here we learn a little more about her and her life. Most importantly, how she hates Mikkel but still desperately wants the information he has. So much so that she's willing to do things she despises to get it no matter the cost to herself. At least, that's what she thinks at first. When she first met Ulrik, things start to change.
She's not the only one changing though. Ulrik has slowly been changing as well, and we have seen it throughout the series. But when he meets Eilish is when it becomes more drastic and most apparent. We learn about what Ulrik went thru after his banishment, and how he was able to pull himself back together. At first his revenge was going to be against every King because they all bound his magic, but at some point he started focusing solely on Con. And by the end, he doesn't even know if he wishes to challenge him still. This whole book, Ulrik finds himself dealing with emotions and desires that he doesn't want to acknowledge. All of which culminates to a pretty great end.
As per usual, a lot was going on here. Obviously we focus on Ulrik and Eilish. They spend a lot of time together, and not only because they desire each other so strongly. Ulrik is determined to protect Eilish from the darkness he feels growing inside of her, as well as find out the information that she wants so that she can free herself from Mikkel. Eilish starts out planning to kill Ulrik as Mikkel demands, but quickly realizes that she can't. He's nothing like she was told. And when Ulrik goes after his uncle, she refuses to be left behind.
I loved it every single time that Mikkel's plans fell to pieces. From no longer having the Dark King on his side (amazing how it went down when he learned about that by the way), to Eilish betraying him, and then the thing he least expected happening at the end. I was worried for a second there that he would get away, yet again, but thankfully that didn't happen. It was great to see him finally get what he deserved.
I was BEYOND thrilled when Erith finally revealed herself to Con and he immediately realized she was indeed the same woman he met a few times before. I'm glad that he didn't stay mad at her and very much look forward to them working together more now.
What Rhi is being put thru is becoming cruel. While I am curious as to who her King is and want them back together, I would be happy for her just catch a damn break for once. Because nothing but bad on top of bad keeps coming her way and if this continues it will not end well. At least her and Con more or less get along now. I am so happy that they have moved past arguing all the time.
Speaking of Con. I am also glad that he has finally started listening to those around him a little more and has started going on the offensive. He's got too much on his shoulders and he needs to start letting others help.
Random thoughts: I hope to get V's book soon because these little bits with him have me super curious about him and his past. Usaeil is still insane. Actually, I think she gets worse with each book. And Henry seriously needs to stop pining over Rhi. Every person in the universe knows it will never happen between them and he's getting sort of obsessive over her which is creepy.
The end was good. I was very happy with it. But the very end? Bad. Very bad for the Kings.
Though I am left with a ton of questions, what I most wanted to know was why did Ulrik's tattoo move from his back to his front? That seems like something that would be kind of important.
The King of Silvers. Cunning, perceptive, resourceful. Determined. Banished from Dreagan eons ago because of a betrayal that shattered his entire existence, his sole focus in life is to exact revenge against the Dragon Kings. A formidable fighter with centuries of rage on his side, Ulrik will stop at nothing to take down those who exiled him.
He has been alone, trusting no one for thousands of years. Until she walks into his life. He should not yearn for her, but there is no stopping the fiercely burning attraction. When he’s with her, he isn’t thinking of war or revenge. He only thinks about her, craves her. Burns for her. But soon he will be forced to choose: Will he continue on his course of destruction or will he be able to set aside his vengeance to save the woman who risked everything for him.
•••••••••
REVIEW: TORCHED is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. TORCHED should not be read as a stand alone as this is Ulrik, King of the Silvers’ story line, a story line that has been developing since the first instalment.
SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Ulrik the Silver Dragon King and his uncle Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides-but Ulrik wants revenge against King Constantine of the Dragon Kings; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world.
Told from several third person perspectives that follow several intersecting paths TORCHED focuses on the King of the Silvers Ulrik as he struggles with his waning need for revenge against the King of Kings versus his duty to protect the dragons he still considers brothers and friends. Thousands of years earlier, Ulrik pledged vengeance against King Constantine for the death of the human woman he once loved- a woman whose betrayal would have meant the death of them all. In the ensuing war between dragon and man, Ulrik killed thousands of humans before Con banished his brother locking his magic and ability to shift. Fast forward to present time wherein Ulrik has worked diligently to reclaim what is rightfully his only to be hindered at every turn by a familiar dragon. With his Uncle Mikkel, working together with a powerful Druid, Ulrik soon turns his vengeance against one of his own. Meanwhile a beautiful woman of immense power, struggles between good and evil, as she searches for the mother she never knew. With Ulrik’s guidance, she will come into her own, as she steps into a war between heirs to the Silver throne.
The turn of events in the impending war between the dragons and the Fae begins to unravel as Con and Queen Usaeil no longer see eye to eye; and Rhi is no longer welcome back to the place she has always called home.
TORCHED is a heartbreaking and revealing story line where lines are drawn, friendships forged, redemption and forgiveness offered and accepted. One-time friends will become enemies, as long-time relationships crash and burn. The author brings together Death and her Reapers, along with the return of the Druids and Warriors, for some much needed back up, if only to connect all of the back stories, magic and series into one. Donna Grant’s DARK KINGS is a spirited, thrilling and exhilarating series. TORCHED is a dramatic tale of restitution, reclamation, absolution and love.