2.5⭐
Don't have much to say (almost DNF'D) - though, it was quite a quick, easy read, finished within 2 days.

EVEN though this isn't my cup of tea, I'd recommend this book to people who enjoy dragons, politics & spice.

✨ Listened to the audiobook, and may I say Mr. Antony, you can tell me stories all day!

✨✨ Thank you DL Grant, LLC, & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I won’t lie, I struggled a lot with this.
I couldn’t connect with the character or the story it felt off.
The plot was a bit confusing so it was confusing. I think with another edit it might flow better.
The narration itself was great which is why I gave the 2 stars.

⭐️⭐️

The plot of this book was difficult to follow and confused me at multiple points. The characters also did not have a lot of development and it was hard not to just assume that they were manifestations of tropes. I did believe that the narrator did a good job of reading the story and giving voice to the characters. I think that this book could have potential with another deep copyedit.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and felt realistic. The world was interesting and exciting. I will definitely be impatiently waiting for the second book.

The narrator took a bit of time to get used to but I felt like he did a good job distinguishing between the characters, which I always appreciate.

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook! I really enjoyed the book!

Please note this is 18+ with spice to it so be aware!

I enjoyed the narrator and loved the world building

As a big fan of Donna Grant’s work, The Bastard King didn’t disappoint! This first book in The Bastard Duology is packed with complex characters and a brooding atmosphere. I was lucky to be an ARC reader/listener for the audiobook, totally unaware this was only the beginning of a duology. As the story neared its end, I kept wondering how everything would wrap up—only to be hit with a surprise cliffhanger! Now, I’m eagerly awaiting the second book.

While I really enjoyed this installment, I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars. The main storyline and tension didn’t really kick in until the halfway point. While this set up an intense ending, I’d have appreciated it more if the main action had picked up a bit sooner. Also, a few new characters appeared rather suddenly. This pulled me away from the main characters’ story at times, but I’m guessing these new faces will play a bigger role in the sequel. I just wish their introduction had been smoother.

The characters are wonderfully layered though, with backstories that add real depth to their motivations and relationships. The hero’s brooding intensity pairs perfectly with the heroine’s resilience, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that’s so addictive. The tension and undeniable love between them definitely set the stage for what’s sure to be an exciting continuation!

I always love being jn the Dragon Kings world. Antony Ferguson's narration makes it even more enjoyable. The Bastard King introduces a new King not even Constantine knows about. With every book in the series Donna Grant delivers a story that is sure to leave you wanting more. Looking forward to book two in this spinoff duology.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this audioARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

The plot was amazing, I can’t wait to pick up the next book. However I think the writing and narrator could do a lot better. The writing was basic, the characters actions didn’t always match with what they were thinking, and I feel like the narrator made it worse by the way he was reading it was very robotic, not sure what to call it but at times I was off put completely from the narrator. I loved that when the lies were found out she communicated still and it just made me feel less stressed. There’s enough going on without a fight like that. I also really enjoyed that it was a good ratio of romance to action and stuff happening. I really enjoyed the plot and I want to know what happens next so I do still recommend.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 13th November and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of December.

I like it when we have an unassuming FMC who people seem to doubt, for whatever reason, and then she just comes out and kicks butt.

I wish we got a bit more world building so we could find out more about the characters and all these different abilities people seem to have. Where did they come from? Why do some people have magic and not others? What is a hellhound, where do they fit into the world? Are they literally from hell? Can she shape-shift into a dog? I’m still not completely sure why the book is called the bastard king. Is it because he’s an asshole? Or was he born out of wedlock? 🤨 There was an element of “paper, scissors, rock” with this story. Dragons kill hellhounds, hellhounds kill star… people (I can’t remember what they’re called), star people kill dragons.
I honestly cannot believe I just asked for more world building. That’s very off brand for me 🙃

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book.

Genre: Romance/fantasy (MF)
Format: Audio
POV: Multiple (single, male narrator)
Tropes: keeping secrets, quest of revenge, dragons, magic, shifter, evil queens, soul mates/fated mates.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

This story overall was captivating and interesting, but I think I will enjoy this book a lot more when I read the ebook version. I did not like the audiobook narrator at all. I felt like he was so dry and monotone.

3 stars overall and I won't be posting this review on my social media.

Big thanks to Netgalley for the audioARC in exchange for a review.

I usually enjoy this style of book; hidden secrets, dragons, spice, etc. But the narrator was WAY too formal. He would be excellent at reading an encyclopedia, but his narration of the steamy scenes were dry and forced.

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it wasn't audio.

3 stars

Great inventive world, wonderful narration and will keep an eye on this series and author thankyou for being able to read this

This story captivated me with its blend of dragons, magic, and romance. Derek, a Dragon King, is focused on freeing his kin, but everything changes when he meets Kora, a mysterious woman with a traumatic past. Their chemistry is undeniable, and both characters carry secrets that could tear them apart. Set in a world filled with Dragons, Fae, and Star People, the story is rich in fantasy and action. The romance and stakes are intense, leaving me eager for the next book in the duology. With Antony Ferguson’s narration, this audiobook adds an extra layer of depth to the characters, making it an engaging and immersive listening experience.

I thought this book was pretty good. The narrator did a good job of bringing this book to life.
There were good twists! This is a paranormal, dragon, fantasy. I liked the connection between Kora and Derek. I thought these characters were well developed and
the book was well written. The world building was dynamite! A solid listen. Huge thanks to Tantor audio and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this book!

SPORTOCHICK’S MUSINGS: The narrator's presentation and stunning ending of The Bastard Duology #1 stopped my heart, held it suspended, and my own being cried immediately for book 2.

Narrator Antony Ferguson who is my top narrator of all time because his voice is so good that it flows seamlessly between male to female and young to old. He gets a big 5 STARS.

I have read the book and listened to the Audio and find I am in love with both presentations of Author Donna Grants amazing The Bastard King (The Bastard Duology #1). Her choice of Narrator Anthony Ferguson to narrate her dragon series is spot on and as always it brings me great pleasure to listen to her audio books.

The whole premise of this book was surprising, exciting and ties in nicely with the Dragon King series. The introduction of Kora in chapter one creates the fast-paced flow of this storyline where she is a fearless protector warrior with a mission. I like her stick-to-it-iveness on her secretive end game at all costs. She was a stubborn smart warrior and an exciting character.

When Derek enters the story, I was ready for some unhappy dramatic occurrences but ultimately, he surprised me. Slowly throughout the story the reader finds the reason behind his anger and need for revenge. This area was handled with finesse and the reader will appreciate how he comes to terms with everything.

Author Donna Grant incorporates several characters from the previous Dragon King series and you will find out what happens to several key characters from Dragon Born.

The stunning ending of The Bastard Duology #1 stopped my heart, held it suspended, and my own being cried immediately for book 2. Read the book and let me know you agree.

I was excited to receive this alc. A dragon shifter with a mysterious past. The last of her kind, the only one left to save the kingdom. Sign me up!! The romance. The politics. I loved every bit of it. Is there a cliffhanger? Yes. Was I okay with it? Also yes. I’m so excited to read book two when I can. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I need to know what happens next!

Okay, I wasn't expecting that cliffhanger! Usually the author gives us closure on the couple, while leaving the overall plot open for more books. This time, the cliffhanger had everything to do with this couple. I'm not hating on it though. I really enjoyed Derek and Kora and I'm so curious how they are going to get out of their current predicament.

A decent dragon story, but nothing too original.

Tropes:
*Dragon-shifter
*Insta-lust
*Memory loss
*Hidden Identities
*3rd person POV

I felt like the story was decent, but I needed more details for the world building. Also the characters didn't feel fully drawn out.

I didn't realize until after I read this that it is a prequel to another series I have not read. May have been more enjoyable if I had read that first.

I feel like there was something lacking in the audiobook's narration.

3 stars

I have enjoyed Donna's work immensely in the past. This book did not hit me the same way. I felt like it was a bit too thin for a fantasy tale. I don't feel like we got enough backstory on any of the characters to give them depth or to connect with them. The love story was not believable, there just wasn't any connection for me. I'm not sure I'll continue this series, I didn't like the supernatural/science fiction addition of multiple worlds/realms/wherever it was going and the creation of the dragons. I appreciate the attempt at creating a unique plot line but again, it didn't work for me.

The narrator felt a bit too stiff. I liked his voice but not his cadence.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of anything, Donna Grant writes . And the Dragon King series is a personal favorite of mine. This is the first book in the duology ,so I could go to this expecting a cliffhanger and boy was I right. This story is Derek and Kora’s. With Merrill ( a personal favorite of mine) along for the ride. The book started off a little slow but it quickly changed into something very interesting. I love the story line, the romance, the characters. All of it! I can not wait for the next one!
And as always Anthony Ferguson did an amazing job. I can’t listen to any of the dragon kings with his voice in my head.