Thank you to NetGalley and Donna Grant for the ARC of The Uncrowned King.
While I can see this book appealing to many readers, it just didn’t align with my personal preferences. The writing style felt off and I found the world-building a bit thin, leaving me wanting more depth to the story’s setting, especially after the first book thrusted one into the story without any explanation.
Sadly, I couldn’t bring myself to care for the main character on a deeper level.
Additionally, the level of spice was more than I typically enjoy.

Although not my particular preference in story, I can see this book being popular with readers of different tastes.

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!

Loved reading the mesmerizing, spellbinding, and engaging paranormal story. When Derek loses his memory again endangering Kora, Kora stands firm against Derek's uncontrollable fury to kill her, and Kora believes their love for each other will save them. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of action and captivating characters, and a must read riveting story by the phenomenally talented author, Donna Grant.

I had really enjoyed the Bastard King and was so excited to see the Uncrowned King available on Netgalley. The Uncrowned King shifts focus a bit - rather than just centring Zora and Derek, it really brings in the other Dragon Kings from her Dragon Kings novel as central characters. It also means that some of the characters who were very prominent in the Bastard King receive less focus. I hope future books in her series will follow the fate of Stonemare. I enjoyed the book, but would really recommend it to those who had previously read the Dragon Kings and will be able to follow the new characters and plot threads.

Doona Grant's dragon stories never disappoint. This was one focused on Derek who loved Kora who was a hellhound. When he was injured, Miena took him and erased his memories. She was a Star Person and had made him which gave him some of her power, whch she didn't know. She got her power from children, stripping them of their magic. Kora bound herself to Villette who wa another Star Person in order to find Derek again. The problem with that is that whenever one of them got injured, the other one felt it. The other Dragon Kings helped her and fought bravely. It was a good story and nice to hear about Con and his mate. It was a very good story that had a good ending

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Book Review: The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant

A Fiery Tale of Forbidden Love, Vengeance, and Redemption

Donna Grant’s The Uncrowned King, the powerful conclusion to her Dragon King duology, is an electrifying blend of passion, action, and emotional depth. This gripping sequel raises the stakes for its star-crossed lovers and delivers a satisfying, heart-wrenching tale that will leave readers spellbound.

Plot Overview
The protagonist is the last of her kind—a hellhound who has survived the systematic annihilation of her people by dragons. Her life has been one of constant flight and solitude, until she meets him. The Dragon King, a figure as dangerous as he is irresistible, becomes her unlikely ally and her greatest love.

Their bond is as intense as it is forbidden, a romance that defies centuries of enmity between their races. But their happiness is fleeting. Their love is torn apart by betrayal and violence, forcing the hellhound to confront her past and fight for her future.

The Dragon King, meanwhile, faces his own battles. With his throne under threat, he must reclaim his kingdom while grappling with the loss of the woman who has become his heart and soul. Together, they must navigate a perilous path, where love may be their only weapon against overwhelming odds.

Characters: Love and Power Collide
The hellhound heroine is a standout character, defined by her resilience and fire. As the last of her kind, she carries the weight of an entire race’s survival on her shoulders, making her journey both poignant and inspiring. Her evolution from a hunted survivor to a fierce warrior fighting for love is one of the novel’s most compelling arcs.

The Dragon King is equally captivating, embodying both the regal authority of a ruler and the raw vulnerability of a man in love. His determination to protect his throne and the woman he loves is the driving force of the story, making him a hero worth rooting for.

Together, their chemistry is explosive. Grant captures the intensity of their connection with searing passion and emotional depth, making their romance the beating heart of the story.

Themes: Love, Sacrifice, and the Fight for Identity
At its core, The Uncrowned King is a story about love and the sacrifices it demands. The forbidden romance between the hellhound and the Dragon King challenges the boundaries of loyalty, prejudice, and duty.

The theme of identity is also central, as both characters struggle to reconcile their roles as leaders with their personal desires. For the hellhound, this means confronting the pain of her people’s extinction and reclaiming her place in a world that has cast her aside. For the Dragon King, it means balancing his love for her with the weight of his responsibilities as ruler.

World-Building: A Realm of Dragons and Myth
Grant’s world-building is as rich and immersive as ever. The intricate lore of the Dragon Kings and the haunting history of the hellhounds create a vivid backdrop for the story’s drama. The interplay between magic, myth, and political intrigue adds layers of complexity that elevate the narrative.

The descriptions of the Dragon King’s realm, with its fiery grandeur and ancient secrets, are particularly striking. This setting becomes a character in itself, shaping the choices and destinies of those who inhabit it.

Pacing and Prose
The pacing is relentless, driving the story forward with a blend of high-octane action and deeply emotional moments. Grant’s prose is evocative and lyrical, capturing both the intensity of battle and the tenderness of forbidden love.

The romantic tension is exquisitely crafted, with moments of heartbreak and longing that resonate long after the final page.

For Fans Of...
Readers who enjoy the sweeping romance and epic stakes of series by Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Grace Draven will find much to love in The Uncrowned King. Fans of Grant’s previous works will also appreciate the continuation of her Dragon King universe, with its blend of passion, peril, and prophecy.

Final Thoughts
The Uncrowned King is a stunning conclusion to Donna Grant’s Dragon King duology, delivering a tale that is as fiery and unforgettable as its protagonists. With its dynamic characters, forbidden romance, and richly woven world, this novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.

Grant masterfully blends love and loss, vengeance and redemption, leaving readers with a story that lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned.

An amazing and fantasy filled conclusion to The Bastard King that will please everyone who loves Derek and Kora and their Star-crossed love.

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!