Book: The Uncrowned King
Author:Donna Grant
Series: The Bastard Duology
Book Length: 319 Pages
Publisher: DL Grant, LLC
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags

I would burn the world for him…


My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.


Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us.


Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.




My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence….The second installment and duology conclusion.




The Uncrowned King
By Donna Grant


This is the second book in the duology which started right where it left off in The Bastard King cliffhanger. In this book we discover more complicity between Miena & Villette’s with the duration of Derek's previous life. Is Villete even a person to be trusted? Another question to question is if they had a harmful effect on his magic or put the magic in jeopardy? Also what makes Derek give him enough power so the Star person can’t break into his power? Is it even possible? Will Dereck and Kora ever trust Villette again?

Derek continues to discover answers from species on Zora while Koro looks for allie’s in people she previously had despised .On top of that the dragon Kings are doing what they can to help Zora and Dereck? However will it be enough?

Another book that I absolutely devoured in the second part of this duology that connects to th re upcoming Dragon Iong series.

Another magnificent novel that I could not put down! This has a magical world that draws you in and you never want to let go. It is detailed with rich storylines with so many multi-dimensional characters. Another riveting book I could not put down!

Will Kora and Derek get that happily ever after story line and what is the connection with the Dragon Kings upcoming series. Read and discover their fate in the The Bastard Duology. Another book that readers will absolutely love! I highly recommend The Bastard King and The Uncrowned King where readers finally discover the conclusion and Dereck and Kora’s fate. What a mind blowing masterpiece! A definite 6 star read for me!

Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

ARC Review: This book was significantly better than the first one. The struggle to get Derek's memory back and confrontation was engaging. I was a bit confused on how he got his memory back. I felt like that transition was too fast and could have been walked through.

“If she was all she claimed to be, nothing would stand in the way of her doing what she wanted.” - Kora

“He, who had sworn to keep her safe, had brought her misery.” - Derek

“It had taken her countless attempts to create him, but she had dome it once and she could do it again.” - Miena

Being new to Donna Grant’s Dragon Kings universe, The Uncrowned King felt like getting tossed into the deep end without a life vest. It did pick up right at book one's cliffhanger, but then things went haywire. The book is a massive info dump, overwhelmed with new species and characters, which never really gave me the breathing room I deserved. For longtime fans, it might be smooth sailing. Returning readers will likely appreciate the continuity and understand the references, but for newcomers such as myself, it’s chaotic and frustrating.

The writing style hasn’t evolved from the first book. It’s choppy and abrupt, with a casual tone that comes off lazy. Perhaps that’s the English Lit and Creative Writing major in me. With the number of books Grant released in this series alone, I'm disappointed to see little growth in narrative skill. It honestly feels like she’s chosen not to improve. Character POVs shift often and abruptly, sometimes within the same chapter. Though there are clear visual breaks to help keep track, it disrupted the flow. I found myself skimming this book more than reading, which is never a good sign.

While it was somewhat satisfying to get answers and move the overall story forward, the journey felt hollow. Loyal readers will find enjoyment from Grant's predictable writing style but I wouldn’t recommend it to newcomers.

Thanks to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and submitted using an academic writing style.

This book started off picking up where that cliffhanger left us. I was sucked into this one from the very start. This one had more action and was fast paced throughout most of it. I really enjoyed all the characters which makes me want to go back and read their stories. I'm sure I'll get to them all eventually. This duology is definitely worth reading!

I was so excited to get back to the Dragon King world with The Uncrowned King! I loved that we got a recap of the first book in the duology, since it had been some time since I had read it. This was steamy, magical, and a very fun read. I am now planning on reading more by Donna Grant!

Didn't realize this was a sequel so I decided to purchase the first book before reading.

It was an absolute thrill to read The Uncrowned King and I enjoyed just how quickly it dove back into the story at the start.

It was that very captivating start that pushed me to purchase the first book, circle back and read again.

Overall, it was a good read, I was hooked from the start and it kept me on a high till the end.

Action packed fantasy romance with a HEA!
The storyline was never dull and the likeable characters were like family. Kora & Derek fought for and to get back to each other every time! Then they battle against evil with their new found family, leaving you feeling happy to have been apart of their world & journey! A vast magical world with characters that leave a lot of opportunities to go back & enjoy more adventure’s. A very enjoyable read. I was lucky enough to receive a free arc of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book was action packed from start to finish with rich storytelling and world building. It delivers an epic conclusion to the Bastard King duology. The love story is absolutely beautiful and had me giggling at times. Would recommend to any fantasy reader.

After the cliffhanger in book 1, I had been eagerly awaiting book 2 in this duology. I was not disappointed. The story picks right up where it left off, throwing us right back into the action. Loved watching the story between the FMC and MMC play out.

The fight wasn’t over…

This was the second part to Derek and Kora’s story so you must read The Bastard King before diving into the rest of their story. Reading all the Kings books will help you a lot too as they (and the reader) navigated a world with many players and a lot of history…

The level of trust that Derek and Kora struggled so hard to gain in the first book was put to the test here with, oh, merely death on the line. Derek was once again fighting memories not of his making and Kora was in his crosshairs. Kora wanted to believe that the bond they forged so quickly would be strong enough to weather this deadly storm but even she had her doubts. What she was used life not going her way but Derek and the life they could share together, kept her fighting…

Action-packed and full of high emotion, truth and love were at stake when alliances were made and the resulting battles fought. In a world of magic and dragons, anything was possible and, uniting together, good was going to win. Or so I hoped!

If it took me a bit to get into the story, it made the read that much sweeter as the telling was packed with familiar characters and a common goal in a swashbuckling-style love story with a heart-warming conclusion…

When I was accepted for this eArc, I read the first book in the duology to prepare, hoping it would help me understand the world. It didn’t. I was still completely lost. The book introduces over 37 characters (yes, I counted), yet none have any depth or defining traits.

The world-building is just as weak. We’re introduced to fae, banshees, and other supernatural elements with no real explanation. Since this is a spin-off of another series, I assume prior knowledge is expected, but if you need to read an entire other series just to grasp the basics, this should’ve been part of that series instead.

Then there’s the pacing. This entire duology takes place over the span of just a few weeks—somehow, that’s enough time to defeat an evil genius who has been outsmarting them for centuries and for Kora and Derek to fall in love and commit to each other forever. It’s rushed, unconvincing, and leaves no room for meaningful character development.

To put it bluntly, The Uncrowned King was a frustrating, confusing mess. I was bored, annoyed, and counting down the pages until it was over. If you haven’t read the original series, don’t even bother with this one—you’ll just be wasting your time.

When I got this book through NetGalley, I didn't realize that it was book 2. I began book 1, but found myself struggling to read it because the pace felt very slow. Instead of forcing myself to continue reading it, I moved on to other books. Other people seem to love this series, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

THE UNCROWNED KING is the second installment of the Bastard Duology series. If you’re new to Donna Grant’s books, you may be able to tell that these books are all interconnected with the other series she has written. So if you’re a loyal fan like me and keep coming back for more, you will be greatly rewarded.

However, that is not to say that you can’t jump into this book first. I just feel like readers who know the other characters from other series may come to appreciate the storyline more.

That being said, I enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters. Grant’s writing feels very comfortable for me, so it’s easy to read. These books have become somewhat like a comfort food for me. You can’t help but crave it and come back for more.

Donna Grant's The Uncrowned King, the concluding installment of The Bastard Duology, delivers a satisfying, albeit slightly uneven, finish to Derek and Kora's story. The book ultimately proved to be an engaging and action-packed read and one I'd readily recommend to friends.

Picking up directly after the cliffhanger from The Bastard King, The Uncrowned King immediately immerses the reader back into the intricate world of dragons, magic, and political intrigue. The evolving dynamic between Derek and Kora is a highlight, with Derek's struggle to reconcile his lost memories with his present circumstances adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Grant excels at crafting compelling battle scenes, and this book is no exception, delivering thrilling action sequences that kept me turning the pages.

However, the pacing felt less consistent than in the first book. The introduction of numerous new characters, while expanding the world, also led to moments of confusion as I struggled to keep track of everyone. Familiarity with Grant's Dragon Kings series would undoubtedly enhance the reading experience, as the sheer volume of characters and lore might overwhelm those new to the author's work. I also craved more world-building; while the action was plentiful, a deeper exploration of the setting would have enriched the overall experience.

Despite these minor criticisms, The Uncrowned King is a solid conclusion to The Bastard Duology. It's an exciting, action-driven story that explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity. While I'm not sure if I'll revisit these books in the future, I'd confidently recommend them to fans of romance and fantasy who enjoy complex characters and thrilling battles.

Much better than the first. I was invested in the characters from the start. Very suspenseful considering the cliffhanger at the end of the first book. I would have loved to see more unique characters to this world. I also think the book split into two could have been one long book because it picks uo exactly where it left off. I want more world building more conflict wnd more yearning. I know there are fantasy lovers out there who love this style of writing but it just was not for me. It was not bad, I just wanted more. I felt like it fell a little flat considering the potential laid out in the first book.

“The Uncrowned King” by Donna Grant, serves as the compelling conclusion to the “Bastard King” duology, seamlessly continuing the saga of Dragon King Derek and hellhound Kora. Picking up from the cliffhanger of “The Bastard King,” this installment delves deeper into their tumultuous journey, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and high-stakes action.

The book is filled with love, danger, intrigue and a lot of action as Kora and Derek fight their way to each other. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, with their relationship evolving amidst escalating tensions and external threats.

The expansive world-building introduces a diverse cast of characters, including dragons, fae, hellhounds, and star people, enriching the narrative.

While the novel excels in delivering action-packed sequences and deepening the protagonists’ bond, a few readers desired more immersive world-building and descriptive narratives. Despite these critiques, the consensus remains positive, with many praising Grant’s ability to craft an engaging and emotional storyline.

In summary, “The Uncrowned King” offers a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to the duology, appealing to fans of paranormal romance and fantasy genres. Its blend of dynamic characters, intricate plotlines, and a richly imagined world ensures a captivating read for those invested in Derek and Kora’s epic tale.

Loved, loved, loved this book and could not put it down. Donna as always has created an amazing read with complex and relatable characters and a story that captivates and engages you

The Uncrowned King - thank you for this eARC

Good world-building, compelling characters, and a decent plot.
I did appreciate the chemistry between the protagonists and lore.

The second story in the Bastard Duology, another engaging story as we get the conclusion of Derek and Kora’s story. The story was well written and kept me turning pages. I found the story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Uncrowned King is the second part of the Bastard King duology, presenting a fair share of magical creatures and all-consuming love. Compared to the first book, this one moved rather slowly in the beginning. There were quite long inner monologues and the characters’ internal struggles. The story progressed quite calmly pretty much until the grande finale, where everything happens at once, making it hard to keep up, but at the same time it created the necessary tension.

This book also introduces us a myriad of new characters, which made it tad difficult to keep up. Also there was not a lot of background provided on the magical creatures. However I understand that as these were my first Donna Grant books, it was a bit harder to immediately jump into that universe.

Was I on the edge of my seat, dying to know what's going to happen? No. Was I still determined to finish the book to finish the story? Yes. So, if you're looking for a nice, quite fast-paced romantasy, this was an enjoyable and interesting read with plenty of magic, action and of course, love and passion.