This is an awesome read. The Dragon Kings prequel sets a glorious stage for the books already in print. Two places brought tears as they were so poignant and real. The loss of a child breaks something inside. Loved the ending!

Donna Grant once again transported me to an exotic and fascinating world of dragon kings and fae through her brilliant words in Ignite The Magic. She portrayed everything so vividly and beautifully that it felt no less real to me than the real world. Ailis and Lennox created a new chapter through their otherworldly love. Passionate. Heartwarming. Action packed. Ignite The Magic was amazing in every way possible.

Ailis is an adeventure lover Dark Fae.After years of research and practice, she managed to create a doorway to another realm. And the first thing she sees is Dragons. Lennox, King of Dragon Kings, shifts to a mortal form for the first time in her presence. He becomes curious about her and also..he feels a strange pull to her. But Dragon clans are very strict and protective and they won't accept a fae..leave alone a fae mate to the king. Can Lennox make change? Can he protect Ailis?

This is written as an origin story of another character in her Dragon King world but this could be read as a standalone as it ends with Happily Ever After for Ailis and Lennox. They were both strangers but from the first moment they meet, they can feel this strong unexplained connection. And you can feel it too. The shifter part is new for Lennox, bringing new sensation and Ailis was there to show him everything. He is an alpha with immense responsibilities, specially when the Dragon clans are at a crossroad. Magic rules and chooses but he is the one responsible for guiding the clans. Ailis was a constant source of support and peace for him. She was lonely and undervalued in Fae realm and meeting Lennox changed her life. To have such a powerful and gorgeous creature to love her was absolutely breathtaking. Their deep emotional connection and sizzling hot chemistry are the strength of the story. I was so immersed in this fictional world. Allis and Lennox both had to sacrifice for love but together they are complete. I am so excited to get more stories from Dragon kings world.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily through Netgalley

08/03: First off, the novel begins with a letter from the author entitled "Dearest Reader" which reveals the ending of Ignite the Magic. I think I would rather that had been an Author's Note at the end of the story. My second concern is that this novel does not wrap up all the loose ends, leaving me with several questions. Does this mean that there will be a sequel to the Prequel? Finally, contrary to the blurb, "The origins of the Dark Kings/Dragon Kings and the entire Dark Universe is finally revealed," this story does not reveal the origins of the Dark Kings.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading Ailis and Lennox's story as well as learning of the many conflicts that Lennox faced as King of the Dragon Kings.

08/05: I reread key portions of Ignite to refresh my memory of a key character in Ignite the Magic. The background information provided in Ignite does not quite match the story told in Ignite the Magic. However, the author's preface to this novel indicates that a novel will be coming out next year that tells this character's story. I'm assuming that that upcoming novel will serve as the sequel to this prequel, will provide the missing background information, and will correct the discrepancies noted.

Ailis, the adventurous Fae seeking to travel to other worlds, has done something unforgivable in her world. She stole a book from the royals, in order to fulfill her dreams of traveling to another world. Something many Fae have died trying to do. But that would never deter Ailis from attempting it. On her first try and while running from Fae trying to capture her, she makes a door into another realm. A realm with dragons. What a coincidence that the first dragon she meets is Lennox, the King of Dragon Kings? What a coincidence that their feelings and attraction to each other grows by the day? Will they find a way to be together despite being different species or will Ailis go back to the Fae world?
Ignite the Magic by Donna Grant is absolutely amazing. I was glued to every page. I have not read her other dragon works but now I’m fully committed to finding out about Melisse and the prophecy and I must know if Osric finds a mate, so I need to jump into the series to see if I will get any answers. Answers or not I will be reading them all. I loved the world building and the characters that are so easy to fall in love with. I loved the fast-paced storyline that made it so I couldn’t get bored even if I tried. The book is spicy but also has a deep story plot. I think the book is pretty much perfect, but the ending seemed a little too happy and wrapped up for me. I didn’t even care though because it was so good and absolutely hooked by the ending. I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars, hands down one of the best books I read this year.

Ignite the Magic (Kindle Edition) by Donna Grant
WOW I really enjoyed this prequel Ailis and Lennox's story. It explains a lot and introduces us to Melisse and her beginnings. There are dragon kings and plenty of angst, danger, murder, hard decisions, adventure, a great love story and plenty of steam which gets us to Lennox and Ailis's HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Action-packed Scary Tragic Page-turner Unpredictable Wonderful characters Entertaining Tear-jerker Informative Witty Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Steamy Romantic.

Ailis has always been a Fae that doesn't belong in her world, she craves adventure, craves some place else. Given the chance to steal a book and create a doorway to another realm she doesn't hesitate. What she doesn't expect to find is Lennox, King of Dragon Kings. Though he rules over all dragons he's never wanted that job. Magic chose him. Just as it seems magic has brought them together. Ailis might finally have found a place to belong, and Lennox might finally have found the strength he needs to create a better world for his people.

This is a prequel to the Dark Universe series which I have never read. I do think this stands alone and the story is easy to understand not having any knowledge of that universe.

I thought this was a fun read. I think this did the Fated Mates trope really well and it felt like even from another universe Ailis was always meant to make it here. This very much puts an emphasis on the Romance in Romantic Fantasy so if you are looking for heavy plot I would not recommend. I think the spicy scenes were well done and 10pts to Lennox for learning quickly. As a King of Dragon Kings might have been awkward had he not been so good right away lol.

Odds are I won't pick up the rest of the Dark Universe series but if you are already invested in that universe I'm sure this provides some unique context I don't have.