I recently read "The Bastard King" and found it to be an enthralling novel that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly engaged. The story was filled with a plethora of elements such as action, mystery, suspense, magic, revenge, danger, betrayal, and steamy scenes. I was captivated by all of the characters, even the malevolent ones. However, the true villains may not be fully revealed until the very end, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the sequel. The cliffhanger ending is guaranteed to leave readers craving more from this story.
It was a thrill ride from start to finish and I would simply love to own a physical copy of the book to savor the experience all over again.
#thebastardking #netgalley

That cliff hanger!! I enjoyed this book. I wish their was more character building and more world building but other than that I had a fun time reading this.

Donna Grant’s The Bastard King, the first book in the Bastard Duology, introduces readers to a captivating world of dragons and forbidden romance. The story follows Kora, a solitary creature with a tragic past, and Derek, a dragon bound to serve a ruthless ruler named Villette. Their paths collide when Kora, attempting to save an innocent victim, crosses into dragon territory.

Derek, intrigued by her bravery, finds himself drawn to her despite his sworn allegiance to Villette. Their forbidden attraction blossoms amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and impending doom. The novel effectively captures the allure and danger of the dragon world, with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending doom. While some readers may find the pacing slightly uneven, the story picks up momentum towards the end, culminating in a thrilling cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next instalment.

However, some aspects of the story may leave readers wanting more. Kora’s character, despite her strength and resilience, can sometimes feel inconsistent and her motivations are not always fully explored. Despite these minor drawbacks, The Bastard King is a compelling start to the Bastard Duology. The intriguing world-building, the developing romance between Kora and Derek, and the looming threat of Villette create a captivating and suspenseful reading experience.

Thank you in advance to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to the author, who created this balm for my burnout! It is so hard now to find a good fantasy that has spice but also a stellar plot. This book has the ever popular dragon shifters, but also other magical being unique to the world.

Kora is the last of her kind, a Hellhound trying to avenger her people and family against the being who orchestrated their demise. Derek is a dragon shifter who has never questioned his worldview: save his dragon brethren at any cost. But what happens when the cost suddenly matters to him? This is full of action, love, revenge, self-discovery, magic, and betrayals. I cannot wait for book two!

This book was such a slog. The last 30 pages or so took me multiple days because I would open it up and read maybe 2 pages before ending up desperate to move on to something else. It wasn’t enough motivation to get to the finish line and I honestly would have stopped maybe 20% in if I hadn’t received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book follows Kora, a hellhound, and Derek, a Dragon King (a dragon who can shapeshift into a man). Minor nitpick right off the bat: Derek’s full name is Dederick, and Derick is absolutely an acceptable spelling of Derek. I don’t know, if so many other things about the book hadn’t bugged me so much, I probably would let it slide. But as it stands, it just kept bugging me.

Kora is on a mission to avenge her family by killing Villette, a Star Person. She is the last hellhound on this planet after they were slaughtered by dragons (directed by Villette). Villette lives in a city called Stonemore. Kora meets Derek in a small village, they decide to hook up, and then her and Derek go to Stonemore to confront Villette. That’s pretty much the entire novel, and if it sounds like it shouldn’t be enough to fill a whole book, you’d be right.

What is a Star Person? I’m not sure and nobody else is either. Literally at one point Derek asks Kora how she knows so much about the abilities of a Star Person and she says “I’m not sure, I just know. And my uncle told me some stuff too.” (Not a direct quote but that is the gist.) This is a great example of the extremely shallow world building. There is an idea of this world that all the characters have in their heads, but it is not well explained to the reader and what is explained is done so in a really boring way. Eventually Villette is revealed to be millions of years old? With the kind of power that can disintegrate realms with the snap of her fingers? Okay, fascinating. She just really hates dragons, I guess.

The majority of the plot is spent in Stonemore, with Derek agonizing over whether or not he can trust Villette or trust the people who are telling him that Villette is evil and the dragons he has been “working” to free for hundreds of years are free already and he needs to confront Villette while she is weak. So much time is wasted going back and forth having the same conversation three, four, five times. Then, when action is taken, the author relies so heavily on telling rather than showing that it’s over in an instant and we’re moving on to more agonizing over past decisions (or lack of decisions) or monologuing.

The characters move through the world in such a way that I felt I could never get a grasp on the scenery or landscape. I never felt like I truly got a visual of any of the places they were. They would walk to a cafe, or sit at a bar, which gives you the general concept of the scenery, but that is pretty much where the descriptions would stop. This, along with the characters never explaining how they knew things or showing really any depth of emotion at all, contributed to the completely flat and shallow world building. It made it boring. I have no reason to care about these characters besides being told that Kora’s family is dead and she’s really torn up about it.

And finally, it’s not very well written. I noticed early on that most of the sentences are short and to the point, and wondered if this was a deliberate choice to depict something about Kora’s character while the prose was from her perspective. It wasn’t. That’s how the entire book is written, regardless of whose perspective it is being told from - and it switches around, largely following Kora and Derek but including others at various points as well. Again this adds to the impression that the world is shallow and lacks depth.

There is something there. As I mentioned, the characters (and author) clearly have an idea of the history of this world and the motivations of the people living within it, but the telling of the story ended up being completely uninteresting. Two stars. I would NOT recommend you spend your time on this book or keep an eye out for future books from this author.

I had no idea this was a spin off series when I started reading, and I felt it. I wasn’t sure of really anything that was going on and I felt like I was missing a ton of information. I would absolutely recommend reading Donna Grant’s other books first before picking this one up.

I unfortunately had to DNF this book. I pushed myself to like it or at least give it a shot, but I’m 25% in and so far nothing is from my liking. There’s not really a well structured plot besides the sexual attraction between the protagonists. What really changed my mind about this book was where “Kora woke to the feel of fingers inside her”. That is rape, even if they were sleeping together before this. Majority of this book so far has been explicit sexual scenes, no story or world building. That’s my reason for DNFing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Donna Grant for an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I wish there had been a note about this being a spin off series when I signed up for the ARC. It felt like I was missing a lot of world building and backstory. It made it hard to get a good grasp of what was happening.

The pacing was inconsistent, but picked up a lot towards the end. I'm not sure how I feel about the spice scenes. I kept feeling like I wanted to skim past them because they weren't really grabbing me. It kinda felt like they were there for the sake of it, and didn't enhance the story much.

Huge cliffhangers are one of my biggest pet peeves. If that bothers you, maybe wait until the second book is out so you don't have to wait.

Overall it was an okay book. I think I will have to go read her other series and re-read this one again. I bet I will enjoy it a lot more the second time around.

### Book Review: *The Bastard King* by Donna Grant
**Rating:** ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Donna Grant's *The Bastard King* introduces readers to a medieval fantasy world brimming with intrigue, war, and magic. The story follows Magnus, a fiercely independent bastard prince grappling with his identity while navigating the political treachery surrounding his father’s kingdom. His reluctant journey toward reclaiming his rightful place, alongside his growing bond with the enigmatic heroine Lore, forms the emotional heart of the book.

Grant excels in crafting vivid settings and intense battle scenes, drawing readers into a world where alliances are tenuous, and power is everything. Magnus is a compelling protagonist, his vulnerability tempered by resilience, and Lore provides a strong, balanced counterpart with her own secrets and motivations.

However, while the plot has promising elements, the pacing falters slightly. The first half of the book feels burdened with exposition, and some secondary characters lack the depth to make their actions memorable. The romance between Magnus and Lore, while touching, develops a little too predictably, and moments of tension are resolved too easily.

Despite this *The Bastard King* is a solid entry for fans of medieval fantasy with a touch of romance, but it doesn't quite reach its potential. It was still an enjoyable read for me and I really hope it’s laying groundwork for a more impactful sequel.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
This was such a good read! Loved the characters and the world building was great! I loved the aspect of shifters! Dragons, hellhounds, druids, magic all around! Thank you for making an action packed book with some spice! Like just the right amount for me and very tasteful too!

4,5. This was a great fantasy read! It was engaging, fast paced, and the world building was wonderful. Definitely a great read for fans of this genre.

The story itself captivated me and I continued to read just to find out more about the characters. The main female character has a lot of past trauma clouding her mission. Meanwhile, main male character is having issues reconciling with his own memories. It is heavy on the enemies to lovers trope with a good spice level. However, I am not a fan of the clipped writing style and the repetitive use of names. It may be that the writing was just not for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Bastard King. So to start, I have never read a Donna Grant book before, I am impressed! The book starts off slow and so at first I was worried. However, it picks up. Nice amount of steamy scenes. I just wish there was more character development and more to Kora and Derek’s relationship. It felt a lot like insta-love. Additionally, a little confused by the title. Maybe it will all make more sense in book two!

I had complicated feelings about this book! The writing felt a little hard to connect with. There wasn’t a ton of world building, so I had questions from the start that never really got answered. Derek and Kora are a fun pairing together. Their relationship develops FAST (with a lot of spice, that I don’t normally enjoy) so be ready for that. Overall, it just wasn’t my favorite!

This was good story. Not great, but good. I struggled a bit and I know this is a classic case of, “it’s not you, it’s me,” since everyone I know that read it, liked it.

Kora returns home to fight the evil that destroyed her family, wary of the dragons surrounding the city. Derek, the dragon in hiding sworn to the evil, can't help his fascination with Kora. Will his growing attachment to her change his priorities?

This book worked for me for the first half of the story, then went off the rails for the rest. What started out as a high fantasy novel turned turned into a space-fearing, multi-dimensional jumble (presumably related to another series) that introduced a bunch of characters and lore that I knew nothing about. I suspect readers who are familiar with Ms. Grant's other novels would not have found this as jarring as I did.

Book Review: The Bastard King by Donna Grant

A Riveting Tale of Dragons, Love, and Redemption

Donna Grant’s The Bastard King is a masterful foray into a world of fire-breathing dragons, forbidden romance, and high-stakes loyalty. The first in a duology, this novel sets the stage for a gripping saga where heart and duty collide, all while delivering the lush world-building and passionate storytelling that fans of Grant have come to expect.

Plot Overview
The protagonist is a Dragon King, an outcast driven by one singular purpose: to free his kin. His existence has been defined by war and vengeance, with little room for anything else. That is, until a fateful encounter with a woman who challenges everything he believes in.

She is bold, fearless, and haunted by her own secrets—a perfect foil for the fire and death that the Dragon King embodies. Their connection is immediate and electric, but it comes with a heavy cost. The Dragon King is torn between his growing love for her and his sworn allegiance to those who promise freedom for his kind.

As their bond deepens, both must confront their pasts and the daunting threat of an impending doom. Trust becomes their only weapon in a world where betrayal lurks around every corner.

Character Dynamics
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its characters. The Dragon King is a complex figure, embodying raw power and vulnerability in equal measure. His struggles with loyalty, identity, and love make him a compelling lead. His journey from a solitary warrior to someone capable of love and trust is deeply satisfying.

The heroine is equally captivating. She is no damsel in distress but a formidable force in her own right, grappling with a past that threatens to define her. Her bravery and resilience are inspiring, making her a character you root for from start to finish.

Together, their chemistry is incendiary. Grant skillfully builds their relationship, balancing moments of fiery passion with tender vulnerability.

Themes and Emotional Resonance
The Bastard King explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. The tension between duty and personal desire is a recurring motif, as the protagonists must decide what—and who—they are willing to fight for.

The theme of trust is particularly poignant. Both characters carry emotional scars that make vulnerability a challenge, and their ability to open up to one another is a testament to the strength of their bond.

World-Building
Grant’s world-building is immersive and vivid. The realm of the Dragon Kings is richly imagined, with its own lore, politics, and magic that feel fully realized. The descriptions of dragonfire, epic battles, and the sweeping landscapes of the kingdom draw readers in, creating a cinematic reading experience.

The duality of fire and ice, destruction and creation, mirrors the internal struggles of the characters, adding depth to the narrative.

Pacing and Prose
The novel strikes a careful balance between action and introspection. The battles are thrilling, the stakes are high, and the quieter moments are laced with emotional intensity. Grant’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, capturing both the grandeur of the world and the intimacy of the romance.

For Fans Of...
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy romances like those by Sarah J. Maas, Deborah Harkness, or Grace Draven, The Bastard King will feel like a natural fit. Its blend of action, romance, and richly developed characters offers something for every reader who loves a good mix of fire and heart.

Final Thoughts
The Bastard King is a dazzling start to Donna Grant’s duology, combining high fantasy with a deeply emotional romance. The stakes are monumental, the romance is scorching, and the characters are unforgettable. As the Dragon King and his fearless love interest navigate their shared destiny, readers are left breathless and eager for the next installment.

A must-read for fans of dragons, love stories with bite, and tales of redemption and trust.

Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for an advanced reader copy of this book.

I read this book in one sitting and am screaming at the ending!! This story was filled with sizzling tension, secrets, dragons, and an intriguing plot. I loved seeing the connection between two beings who should hate each other, but can’t deny the connection between them. She is the last of her kind that got destroyed by dragons, he is a dragon without a family, yet the two of them cross paths and everything changes. This was an adventurous read with twists and turns and characters to root for.

If you’re into messy, morally gray main characters, *The Bastard King* delivers in spades. The male main character (MMC) is everything you’d want in an antihero—flawed, ambitious, and constantly toeing the line between doing what’s right and what’s necessary. He’s a bastard (literally and figuratively), and watching him navigate betrayals, power struggles, and his own demons makes for such an addictive read.

The story itself is full of political drama, broken alliances, and characters you’ll love to hate (and maybe hate to love). It takes a bit of time to really pick up, but once it does, it’s hard to put down. The MMC’s internal struggles and questionable choices add so much depth—you don’t always agree with him, but you can’t stop rooting for him.

If you love stories with complicated characters, sharp dialogue, and a plot that keeps you guessing, *The Bastard King* is definitely worth checking out. It’s dark, a little messy, and totally addictive.

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Let me know if you want me to add more about the plot or other characters!

Since her entire family was killed by dragons, Kora has wandered, hoping for revenge on the dragon who destroyed her home. Until one day, she meets Derek, a handsome stranger, and begins to work together to find her family's killer. Of course, Derek is hiding secrets of his own and their explosive chemistry may not be enough to build the trust between them.

This book had a real dystopian fantasy feel, which is unusual, but I really enjoyed the unique setting and sense of Kora's world. Kora is also one of the FMC that I have really enjoyed. Despite her quest for vengeance, she has a strong sense of justice and protecting the innocent, which is exactly the kind of woman I like reading about in the world we're in! In the last third of the book, some fascinating secondary characters are introduced. I left the book wanting to know more about Merrill the Scots man and Katla the Druid. The cliffhanger was tough, but I am excited to read the next book! I would really recommend this to anyone who is interested in the idea of dystopian fantasy and likes a bit of spice!