This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was suspenseful, fast-paced, fun, fascinating and steamy. I enjoyed this book and will continue to watch for new books by this author.

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one day.

This story picks up right after the first book ended, with Miena erasing Derek's memory once again before she teleported him to a cave until he wakes up. While Derek is passed out, he's dreaming of Kora without even realizing who she is. He can hear her calling out his name and can see everything about her, except her face which is blurred out. His heart is trying to tell him that she's important to him. They are mates, but they never expressed their feelings for each before everything went down in the last book.

Meanwhile, Kora, Rhi, the Fae who's mated to the King of all the Dragon Kings, Merrill, Lottie, and her mate Alasdair have Villette in their custody. Kora, a hellhound, has her encased in a ring of fire. Hellhounds are the only species that are capable of killing a Star Person. Lottie is a Star Person as well. But she didn't know who she really was because she was raised by humans, so she suppressed her powers and abilities until her Dragon mate, Alasdair, helped her. But Lottie is nothing like her evil sisters. Before Kora can finally get her revenge on Villette and kill her, they all realize that she's the only one who can locate Miena and Derek. So Kora and Villette enter a vow sealed with magic that Villette will help them, but the only downside to that vow is if either one of them gets hurt, the other will feel the other's pain 5 times worse than the one actually fighting. But Kora will do anything to get to Derek; so she accepts the vow.

When Derek finally wakes up, Miena tells him that he had a fight and was hit on the head, which is why he has lost his memory. She also tells him a bunch of lies about the Dragon Kings that make him question everything he thought he knew. So he goes on a walk into the nearby village and stumbles upon another magical creature who tells him the history of the Dragon Kings. Feeling better armed with a bit of truth, he has to decide what to do about his future. Start over with a blank slate and walk among the humans? Or find out about his past? When Miena finds him again, she tells him that the Dragon Kings allowed a Hellhound to kill both his mate and his children's eggs. He does remember watching over the eggs though. But they weren't his. They were Villette's creations, just like he was Miena's. Derek was manipulated to do their bidding because of all of the lies he'd been told. Miena then tells him to hunt down the female Hellhound who killed his family. Filled with rage, revenge, and hurt, he sets out to find both the dragons and the Hellhound with the intent to kill.

When Derek enters the dragon's territory, he wants blood. Kora insists on being the bait to lure Derek to them. The Dragon Kings will use their magic to subdue him so they can try talking to him and tell him the truth about everything. When he sees Kora, there's something about her that calls to him. But he refuses to let it bother him, he wants her suffering before he kills her with his fire. That's when the King's magic knocks him out and he wakes up in a magical cage.

Kora figures if anyone will get through to him, it'd be her. So she starts by telling him how they met and then became inseparable. But he shuts her out and doesn't listen to her. Kora then has another, dangerous idea that might trigger his memories; if it doesn't, he'll kill her. But she's OK with that, he's suffered enough. Now that he's out of his cage, Derek starts to slowly torture her and eventually she dies; but he stops himself from burning her just in time as his memories start coming back. Then he's mortified with himself for laying a hand on her as he nearly killed the love of his life, and she let him.

When she finally wakes up, he's worried how she'll react to him. But when she sees him, she runs into his arms and his concerns disappear. Now they need to destroy Miena forever. With both Lottie and Villette's help, the dragons have a much better chance of winning. But when Miena kidnaps Kora, who's hurt, their plans change immediately. Derek and a few Dragon Kings return to the palace to help get his mate and kill Miena for good. But when he goes through the tunnels all of the ghosts of the dead dragons that Villette had killed, enter his body and soul, leaving his body covered with dragon tattoos along with their magic. Transforming him into a King in the process, the Dragon King of the Dead. It's with this power that he's able to save Kora and finally kill Miena. It took him a while to figure it out, but Miena created him using her own magic, so he used that magic along with his new magic as a King. Combining his magic along with Kora's unleashed fire, that she finally stopped repressing, and the duo decimated her to ashes.

A great series!

*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Yet another awesome book by one of my favorite authors. Another hit.

WOW - what a wild ride this was. Could not put it down. The Reapers were my favorites in the Dark Universe, they are still, but I’m now putting the Hellhounds up right there with everyone else. This is the much-anticipated continuation of Derek (Dragon King) and Kora’s story from “The Bastard King,” which I would recommend reading before going on to this amazing story.

This has everyone in it, Star People - good and evil - Dragon Kings and their mates, and of course a Hellhound. It takes everything the Dragon Kings have to battle Meina and then there are times it looks a bit grim. The action doesn’t stop and the magic is everywhere, with some new twists and turns, and some old ones too.

The tension of whether Derek will regain his memories of Kora or take her with Dragon Fire keeps the pages turning. The action woven throughout this entire book will also move you forward, and I will say, keep you up at night.

While all of the scenes are amazing, the description of the final fight with Meina, where Kora comes to full strength is the pinnacle of this story, well that and some other great things, but the violet fire….wow you just need to read it to get the entire experience. Do read “The Bastard King” first, this book was amazing Donna, I’d like more Hellhounds please…

I was so looking forward to this after reading The Bastard King (book 1) eArc in 2024! Being left with a cliffhanger had me anticipating book 2 heavily. I just had to know how it ends!

It was an exciting, action-packed read filled with the romance I craved between Kora and Derek. It was wonderful to see how the other Dragon Kings (and their respective mates) unite with the two, bringing us plenty of challenges throughout.

I didn't know how Donna would complete this Duology, but I was very happy with the ending and the adventure within.

Thank you again, NetGalley & DL Grant, LLC for the eArc!

Full review to come.
I received this book as an e-arc generously provided by NetGalley and the author Donna Grant.
In order to do the story justice, I made sure to read the first part of the duology, The Bastard King, to fully grasp the story and plot progression, and thereby offer my honest review.

I struggled with the first book due to a difference in preference in writing style and my personal stance on world building and characterisation, and it is unfortunate that a lot of the same sentiments stand true for The Uncrowned King.

I really did want to love this book, given my love for dragons and fantasy, and the plot of this duology had so much to offer a book lover like myself. However, I found myself really yearning for more descriptive writing that would enhance the world the characters are in. I found myself really wishing for a deeper focus on the hurt and pain that is experienced by both characters and the results of this. I hoped for the action in a fantasy book to be gripping and immersive. However, this was just not there for me.

In saying that there were some complex themes explored in this book: Manipulation, political play, forgiveness, and the unrelenting drive to fight for love - hard enough that it is enough to carry both parties, even if that love has 'gone away' from one side.
While these beautiful themes were introduced, it was the lack of exploring in the writing that made it lose it poignancy for me and left me a little unsatisfied.

As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I do believe that this duology would suit one who prefers the instant connection and action between the two leads. Additionally, the use of colloquial terms, while it felt odd to me at times, may suit other readers better. Thereby, I would say that this book may be a good introduction to beginners in the fantasy realm.

While it wasn't my cup of tea, I am grateful for the opportunity to have read an electronic advanced copy of The Uncrowned King via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, to Donna Grant as well, for her hard work and I wish her well in her future writing endeavours!

Spice: 2/5
Writing: 2/5
Plot and characterisation: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars :)

The thrilling conclusion to the Bastard Duology, and it absolutely delivered. Picking up seamlessly from the cliffhanger of the first book, this installment dives straight back into Kora and Derek’s journey, leaving no time to catch your breath.

One of the standout features of this duology is its deep fantasy elements, which I absolutely loved. From fae to dragons, hellhounds, and even star people, the variety of characters made this world rich and mesmerizing. While many characters were introduced in the first book, they seemed to take on more prominent roles in this second installment. It felt like the stakes were higher, and each character played a meaningful part in the story.

This time, the narrative doesn’t just follow Kora and Derek. While their separate yet converging paths kept me hooked, the story also dips into the perspectives of other characters, including minor ones and even the enemy. At times, this shift in POV felt odd and a bit much, especially when it came from unexpected characters. However, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it added layers of complexity that made the plot more engaging and deepened my investment—even in the enemy’s plans and future. I found myself loathing her just as much as Derek and Kora did, which made the story all the more compelling.

Kora and Derek’s relationship remained central to the story, and their journey was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It was tough to read at times, watching them endure hurt and turmoil, but it was also one of those moments where you’re rooting for love to triumph. While romance played a role in this book, it wasn’t as prominent as in the first installment. Instead, Grant skillfully balanced the action, character growth, and world-building, weaving a narrative that felt truly epic in scope. That’s not to say there weren’t steamy moments—they are there and wonderfully written—but the story’s strength didn’t depend on them.

Between the two books in the duology, I’d say this one stands out more for me. The pacing was well-balanced, the stakes were higher, and the emotional struggles the characters faced pulled at my heart, making their triumphs feel all the more rewarding. I felt entirely immersed in the realm Grant created, swept up by her vivid descriptions and storytelling.

Donna Grant has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. Her ability to craft stories that are both gripping and emotional keeps me coming back for more. The Uncrowned King is a satisfying conclusion to a magical journey, and it’s a magical world I would gladly visit again and again.

The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant is a stunning conclusion to the Bastard King duology, delivering an emotionally charged and action-packed adventure that will leave readers breathless. This book takes the forbidden love story between the hellhound and the dragon to the next level, filled with passion, danger, and fierce determination.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, as their once forbidden love turns into a battle for survival. The heroine's fierce strength and loyalty to the man she loves are inspiring, and the dragon's determination to reclaim his throne and protect his love will have you rooting for them every step of the way. Grant masterfully blends intense romance with high-stakes action, creating a story that’s impossible to put down.

The world-building is rich and immersive, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for this couple. It’s a thrilling and emotional ride, with plenty of twists, heart-pounding moments, and a love that defies all odds. If you loved the first book in the series, The Uncrowned King will absolutely leave you satisfied—and wanting more. A must-read for any fan of paranormal romance!

I think it’s the writing style that doesn’t do it for me. There’s not enough world building or explanation, just a lot of okay let’s do this and then thoughts about their actions. Too many seemingly random POV

3/5⭐️ this was a solid read; I liked the writing style and the short chapters. This is the second book in The Bastard Duology; it had dragons, fae, hellhounds, magic..what else could you ask for. I just wasn’t as emotionally invested in the characters as I wanted to be. It was good, but in my opinion it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read that’s why I rated it the way it did. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book!

Thank you Netgalley and the author for an ARC of The uncrowned king by Donna Grant. This author has been on my TBR list for awhile and I was happy to be able to read The bastard king and The uncrowned king not realizing it was part of her Dark world/Dark kings series. Book two picks up right where book 1 ended, lots of action, and plenty of cameos from characters from other books, and I am eager to read their own stories.

I want to express my gratitude to the author and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s always exciting to dive into a new book, especially one that promises an intriguing mix of dragons, fantasy, and romance.

While this book ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, I can see how it would appeal to other readers who enjoy rich fantasy worlds and romantic elements. The concept behind the story is creative, and there’s a lot of potential for a truly immersive adventure.

That being said, I struggled with the world-building and the overall language of the narrative. The pacing felt uneven at times, and I found myself wishing for more detailed descriptions and a stronger sense of place to really bring the story to life. Some plot points seemed rushed or underdeveloped, leaving gaps that could have been filled with deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations.

While it didn’t fully resonate with me, I encourage fans of fantasy and romance to give it a try—it might just be the perfect read for someone who loves these elements. Thank you again to the author and NetGalley for the chance to experience this imaginative tale.

oh. and you are just gonna leave it like that??? what a solid conclusion to this story!!! donna has outdone herself and i recommend everyone read this duology, she’s positively stolen my heart with these characters!!!

The Uncrowned King picks up exactly where The Bastard King ended. I read these books back to back and loved both of them. There are a lot of minor characters in this book so if you get hung up on not knowing back story or keeping up with several storylines, this book could feel incomplete in areas. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out the ending and would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantasy style reads.

The book is released Jan 14, 2025! Make sure to read The Bastard King first by Donna Grant.

Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant
Second in a Dragon King Duology

~ Tidy conclusion to the duology ~ Glad everything worked out for Kora and Derek…eventually ~

What I liked:
* Returning the magical world of dragons and other interesting magical beings
* The tie-ins to characters remembered from previous books
* Kora: believes she is the last of her species, has lived a long time, has paranormal abilities, wants to reunite with Derek, only one who can kill the evil Star Person, learns a lot and grows in this story, suffers a great deal through the story
* Derek: a dragon shifter, has magical abilities, has memory issues that eventually are resolved, learns and grows, meets more dragon shifters that he may join with in the future
* Ash: a tomte who is invisible to most, helpful to Derek, wonder if he will be seen again
* The alliance made with the dragon kings and how it works out
* The way Three Star Persons rally forces to try and take down the evil fourth one
* The strong friendships and bonds of those in the dragon kingdom
* That it was easy to hate the villains
* That all of the main threads were tied up at the end of the story – do wonder what will happen to Villettte and Eurielle
* All of it except…

What I didn’t’ like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The Star Person who was evil to the nth degree and so deserved to die

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 – 5 Stars

I was very happy that this book picked up right where the last one ended. This duology felt like it was trying to be too many things at once though. There were too many magic systems and plots all competing for the most important. The characters individually were good but out all together with their own plots made it too confusing and not a fluent read. The writing style was very simplistic and wasn’t understand otherwise. I am giving this book specifically a 2.75 star.

I highly anticipated the Uncrowned King after the cliffhanger of the first book The Bastard King!

We catch right up with Kora the hellhound as she is faced with trying to get Derek the dragon's memory back. She's teamed up with a variety of creatures and dragons and even the Vilette to face against Miena as they fight to prevent war from breaking out.

I really enjoyed the first book, but this one just fell flat for me. Perhaps it was the time between reading the books, but I felt like this would've worked better as one continuous story rather than two separate books. There also were tons of characters that I felt like had very little unique characteristics, which made it hard to track who was who and their importance to the story. Overall this book was fine, and perhaps would've been better if read back to back with the Bastard King.

3 stars

Buckle up, fantasy lovers! The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant is here to take you on a wild, emotional rollercoaster ride. Ready your popcorn and tissues, because this story has everything—heart-stopping action, pulse-pounding romance, and enough drama to keep you flipping pages like a mad dragon on caffeine.

Grant doesn’t just write battles; she orchestrates them. Her words explode off the page, turning every clash into a spectacle that will leave you breathless. With a showdown around every corner, I devoured this book faster than a dragon devours its prey. Seriously, the epic face-offs between our heroes and their foes are worth the price of admission alone.

Now, let’s talk about the feels. Kora and Derek's love story is a fiery, forbidden romance that tugs at every heartstring you’ve got. Derek, the brooding Dragon King, and Kora, the resilient hellhound, are caught in a whirlwind of lies, betrayal, and impossible odds. Add Derek’s amnesia and Kora’s unshakable determination, and you’ve got a recipe for emotional devastation (the good kind). Will love conquer all? You’ll have to read to find out, but trust me, it’s a nail-biter.

Grant's world-building? Absolutely top-tier. Imagine dragons, hellhounds, and Star People clashing in a richly woven tapestry of fantasy goodness. Zora, the magical world where dragons reign supreme, is alive with vivid details and high-stakes intrigue. The layers of alliances, mistrust, and hidden agendas add depth to a story already brimming with magic and mayhem.

Oh, and fans of The Bastard King, rejoice! This sequel wraps up the duology with a bang, tying up loose ends while introducing tantalizing new possibilities. The supporting cast—an ensemble of supernatural powerhouses—makes every moment more dynamic and keeps you guessing.

If you’re into forbidden love, dragon drama, and high-octane fantasy with a romantic core, The Uncrowned King is your next obsession. Donna Grant delivers passion, vengeance, redemption, and so much more in a finale that’s impossible to forget. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself longing for just one more chapter in this epic saga.

This was a strong sequel in the Bastard Duology series, it had that element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. It continued the story perfectly and had that character development that I was looking for. Donna Grant has a strong writing style and was enjoying the two books in this world.

When I received this book as eARC, for which I was very grateful, I first read the prequel, “The Bastard King” and I noticed my struggle with the style of writing in the first book already. Picking up the second in the series, “The Uncrowned King”, I had hoped for more descriptive writing, more information on the magical beings, on what’s happening around the basic actions the main characters perform – but I have to admit that it just was not enough for me.
I am absolutely sure there are fantasy fans out there, who enjoy the style Donna Grant uses, as her success shows, unfortunately, I am not one of those people. For me it needs information to create immersion instead of a huge, blank canvas and this might just be me, as I stated, maybe others have more creative minds filling up all those blanks who were left empty in my imagination.
I would like to extend my thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to form my own opinion by granting me an eARC of this book, even if it might not be the one everyone hoped for.