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.

I have to hand it to the writer I liked this book. Kora Derek Merrill Rhi, Merina and the other characters where fantastic. Their actions and the entertainment along with the plot in the book was most enjoyable. Thank you for providing so much excitement and some steam from a fantasy book that truly is a good read. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

This is a book you don't want to end. Kora and Derek start keeping so many secrets. Their story is filled with trouble, heartbreak and hope. I was so curious about Ashmadu. Such a unique species. I loved this book.

The Uncrowned King is the second book in The Bastard Duology and literally picks up where the other book leaves off. This book is best read in order or you won’t know what is happening. This book shoots off from the Dragon Kings series and the characters from those stories make an appearance in this book. Kora and Derek have been separated and the Star Person, Miena has erased his mind once again. The story pits Kora, the hellhound, the Dragon Kings, and their allies against Miena and her dragons to save the world. Action packed and quickly paced, the story relies heavily on true love overcoming even the loss of memories for our heroes to find a satisfying HEA. The characters are unique and compelling for an interesting read contained in the duology. Miena makes a very competent villain. Kora is strong and a warrior, Derek has a little bit of a hard head but comes out the hero in the end staying true to all the past Dragon Kings. This is a must read for the fans of The Dragon Kings series!. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I am so glad that the second part is out and I can find out how Kora and Derek are going to make it!

This is part of the dragon Kings but Derek is not a normal dragon since he was made by the Star People but he has been lied to and thinks that he needs to free the dragons and that the good guys are the bad guys. So, Derek has been used as a pawn his whole life and when he does start asking questions, then his mind gets wiped.

Kora, a hellhound, has been living life day to day until she meets Derek but when Meina, a Star Person, takes Derek and wipes his mind, and fills him with hatred toward Kora, you wonder how they are ever going to make it to their HEA.

As always, it takes team work and the Dragon Kings and their mates are there for Kora and even Derek.

Don't want to give away too much but there is so much going on that I could not put the book down and glad that some previous things were resolved and can't wait for the next Dragon King to find his mate!

I was hoping this would be better than the first but it just fell flat for me again. A major issue I have is the lack of description when it comes to different species or supernatural creatures. In this book there were suddenly fae and a banshee and all these other random people with no description of their abilities or what makes them different. Also, these books could have easily been made into one. This book picks up right after the first and the whole book is about them trying to defeat Miena and then it kind of just ends. And there’s no real world or character building which made it really hard to stay invested. Also the way they talk is random to me, sometimes it’s written more modern but then they also will say “ay” all the time, it just feels awkward.

In general the idea is good and the writing is not that bad, but there could be so much more depth to this series.

Thank you to DL Grant, LLC and NetGalley for the ARC!

Excellent job balancing the storyline and so many characters. It can get overwhelming at times with all the different characters and I feel like this author did a great job of bringing in information from the first book as well as continuing the story. I love a lovely happily ever after, and one that is very well written at that.

Author Donna Grant delivers a fast-paced, heart stopping love story that kept this reader up to 6 am New Years Day. I couldn’t put it down. I seriously tried but kept saying one more chapter.

This book is action packed and filled with descriptive dialogue, so the reader feels transported to another place and time. I love not knowing if the ending will be a HEA. This creates tension for the reader that can only be satisfied by getting to the ending. The author’s writing style creates exhilarating drama, friction, and deep love between her characters and this book is no exception.

I have been waiting for this book after the dramatic cliffhanger in The Bastard King, The Bastard Duology Book 1. If you haven’t read that book you should read it before you read this exciting book.

If you have read any of the author’s books you will notice that some of the characters in this Duology are also featured in some of her other series. I really enjoy it when she does this, because reading her series is like being with family.

Let me know if you like the ending as much as I did.

This story picks up where the first book abruptly ends. (Reading book one of the duology first is a requirement to understand what is happening.) Derek was taken, by Miena, to the human world to kill. All of his memories were erased. Kora teams up with Merrill and they hold Villette captive and go to the dragon kings for help to save Derek from Miena and take her down to get rid of her for good.

Kora works with the dragon kings and gains many allies along the way. The real battle comes for her when they capture Derek and he does not recognize her or remember that she is his mate. Kora has to try with all her might to get Derek to remember so they can all work together to extinguish Miena for good and save the dragons.

This book was not what I was expecting. There was a lot of potential but I feel like the story fell flat. I read the first and second books back to back and I almost think the story could have been condensed and combined into one book. I found some parts to be very descriptive and others, not so much. It was inconsistent overall and the story was slow-paced.

I would recommend you read this if you like dragon shifter fantasy. Just because I did not enjoy this book, doesn’t mean others will not enjoy it. Everyone has their own tastes.

I want to thank NetGalley, Donna Grant, and DL Grant LLC for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book.

Donna Grant delivers a gripping conclusion to The Bastard Duology with The Uncrowned King, a tale of passion, vengeance, and redemption. This novel follows the last surviving hellhound, determined to fight for her forbidden love with a Dragon King, as they face insurmountable odds in a world that seeks to tear them apart.

The story masterfully blends high-stakes action with deep emotional intensity. The chemistry between the hellhound and her dragon lover is magnetic, pulling readers into their fiery, forbidden romance. Grant’s ability to craft complex, compelling characters shines here, making it impossible not to root for their love despite the overwhelming forces working against them.

The pacing is razor-sharp, with thrilling battles and tension-filled moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes feel higher than ever, and the emotional payoff is immensely satisfying. Fans of the first book, The Bastard King, will appreciate how this installment ties up loose ends and delivers a dramatic, heart-pounding finale.

Grant’s world-building is vivid and immersive, making this series feel grand and epic. The unique dynamic between hellhounds and dragons adds an extra layer of intrigue, and the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and love resonate strongly throughout.

If you’re a fan of forbidden love, pulse-pounding action, and epic fantasy with a romantic core, The Uncrowned King is a must-read. Donna Grant has created a duology that is unforgettable, and saying goodbye to this world will leave readers longing for more.

Perfect for fans of:
✨ Forbidden love
✨ Dragon and shifter dynamics
✨ Action-packed fantasy romance
✨ Strong, resilient heroines
✨ High-stakes, emotional storytelling

I really liked this story but it took me awhile to understand everything, since I didn’t read the first book. I highly recommend readers to start with book one so you understand everything going on in this book. Okra is determined to bring back Dereck’s memory after it was wiped by a powerful Star person. Dereck has been told lies and he is out for vengeance which includes killing a lot of innocents. Will his memory come back or will he forever be this vengeful dragon who has lost their true identity? I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant is book 2 in the Bastard King series. The story continues on Zora. The Star People, sisters Vilette and Miena, created a catch of dragon eggs. The first to hatch was Derek, who became a weapon for the sisters. Soon the sisters turned on each other and Vilette got the better of Miena. Derek was ordered to kill all hell-hounds, the only beings capable of killing Star People. As the reining Star Person, Vilette ruled over the human side of Zora. But a chance encounter between Derek and Kora, the last remaining hell-hound on Zora, turned the tide on Vilette’s plans. This book continues to saga of Derek and Kora as they fight for their freedom and forge new bonds. You will enjoy the action and the depth of emotion from the cast of characters. It’s a great continuation of the series!

Of Donna Grant has done it again, i never expect anything less than perfection from her. A Forbidden love that's put to the ultimate test, full of action and tension! I'm sad this is the conclusion to the Bastard King duolgy but it's just so good.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
3 🌶

WOW! I requested this ARC without ever reading The Bastard King (book 1 in The Bastard Dulogy) because it sounded so good. I mean, come on, who doesn't like dragons?! I quickly read The Bastard King, and boy, was I glad that I had The Uncrowned King to follow up right behind it because holy cliffhanger!

The Uncrowned King immediately picks up right where The Bastard King leaves off. From there, it is action-packed from beginning to end.
The Uncrowned King does have a HEA and does wrap up neatly, but as most stories, you're always left wondering about the characters, especially some side characters in the end.
Donna Grant did a good job with the world building, pretty easy to follow, and character development.
My qualms are that I feel like the ending was a bit rushed, some little holes such as I wish I knew what happened with Eurielle, I had trouble connecting with some characters, and last but not least, the insta-love but I get the mates trope so I won't harp on that too much!

Tropes include- romantasy, dragons, mates, magic, battles, suspense, memory loss, death, betrayal, sibling rivalry, found family, HEA, good guys win.

If you're looking for a fantasy romance with dragons and other magical creatures in it, this is the duology you need in your life!

Thank you, DL Grant LLC and NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!
Publishers release date 1/14/2025

Donna Grant weaves a rich and vivid tale in The Uncrowned King, a story packed with magic, political intrigue, and romance that will keep fantasy fans hooked. This second installment in the series dives deeper into the world of the Draegon, and once again, Grant’s mastery of world-building shines.

The story centers on Urian, a king struggling to reclaim his throne while navigating the treacherous waters of alliances, betrayals, and long-buried secrets. Urian is a complex character, both noble and deeply flawed, which makes his journey all the more compelling. His relationship with the fierce and enigmatic heroine, Taliyah, is the heart of the story. Their chemistry crackles, but it’s not just romance; their dynamic adds depth to the plot as they challenge and support each other.

Grant’s writing is lush, drawing you into a world of towering castles, fiery Draegon, and shadowy threats. The pacing is steady, with moments of action balanced by quieter, emotional beats. The supporting cast is memorable, though at times the sheer number of characters can make it tricky to keep track of alliances and motivations.

One minor critique: the plot can occasionally feel predictable, with a few tropes that veteran fantasy readers will see coming. Still, Grant’s evocative prose and the emotional stakes keep the story engaging.

Overall, The Uncrowned King delivers exactly what fans of the genre want: a mix of epic battles, heartfelt romance, and enough twists to keep you flipping pages late into the night. It’s a solid entry in the series that leaves you eager for more, and for anyone who loves dragons, kings, and a dash of danger, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended!

Derek and Kora have been separated. Will they manage to find each other again?
This is a story of how love can conquer all… or can it?
It’s got found family, fated mates, lots of battle, and just a sprinkling of spice!

Rating 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4 for Goodreads)
Spice 2/5

This is book two in the Bastard Duology. It starts up almost immediately where book one ended.

Kora and Derek are separated. Kora is fighting to return to Derek, restore his memories, and kill Miena. Derek is fighting memory loss, implanted memories, and trying to avenge what he believes happened to his mate and eggs.

This book was I believe written better than book one. I still felt there were a lot of plot holes. I liked that there was less spice and more feelings. It did get me teary eyed in one part! I also felt that the Star People were modeled really closely after the beings in the Crescent City series where they world hop and interfere etc.

Another thing that kind of bothered me was the language. It almost seemed like it was trying to be a mix of different language styles and some of it could be a little hard to understand.

Overall, I would say this was an enjoyable duology. It had a lot of good elements. If you read the first book, I highly recommend you read this one too!

Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Grant, and DL Grant, LLC for the ARC.

The Uncrowned King picks up right where the 1st book tragically ended. Kora and Derek have to continue their journey but with many obstacles in their way. While I think the writing is a bit better in this second book, I still can’t connect to the characters which I hate because this storyline has amazing potential.