The Bastard King

***ARC Review***

5⭐️ - Wow

I read this whole book in a day, and could not put it down. This book is a really interesting take on the romantasy genre, and is a book I’d recommend to fans of Fourth Wing. I really liked both of the main characters, though sometimes I found myself wondering how the FMC, Kora, has survived for so long when she makes so many little mistakes that end up snowballing into huge issues. I also really liked the MMC Derek, and am really looking forward to seeing how his character arc progresses in the next book. My only complaint is it is sometimes hard to deal with all the character perspective switching. I wish the chapters had an indication of whose perspective it was going to be written in, and maybe less of the inter-chapter chaotic switching. It just was personally a little hard to track for me, though I understand the purpose. Overall though, a really great book, and one I will highly recommend to anyone looking for their next romantasy.

Thanks for the advanced copy! I went into this book thinking it was going to be something else, but ended up really enjoying it! I liked that up until the end they kept up the mystery. The relationship between the two main characters was entertaining! Would recommend only to those who enjoy spicy books! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

The Bastard King was an amazing read that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. This story was full of action, mystery, suspense, magic, revenge, danger, betrayal, steamy scenes and more. I enjoyed all of the characters in this story, even the evil ones but you won't know whose truly even until the very end with a cliffhanger that will have you wanting more. Kora is determined to have vengeance against those who destroyed her family, but she never expected Derek to enter her life. Derek and Kora both have secrets they keep close to their hearts, however when those secrets and the real enemies are revealed, both of their lives are on the line and knowing who to trust becomes even harder. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series because I need to know what happens next. Readers looking for a paranormal romance story that is action packed until the very end should not miss out on this story. It's one that I don't think will disappoint and is one I will be recommending to my paranormal romance book loving friends.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY!!!! OMG! Dragons. Evil rulers. Donna Grant has outdone herself with this one. A woman that is searching for the one person that destroyed her family and village. A man who is keeping a secret that could destroy his new relationship. Sex.
Kora has been looking for the woman, Villette, that killed her family and left her alone. She doesn’t trust anyone but she might have to so she can find Villette. Derek is a dragon and has been Villette’s “toy” for years. He believes if he does what she says, she will help him release the dragons. But he never expected Kora. The moment they touch, nothing else matters. Will Derek lose her when she finds out the truth?
I really don’t want to give anything away. I can’t wait to see what else happens. This does have a cliffhanger.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

I love everything about this book, it took all the things I want from fantasy and wrapped it all up in one.

The only thing is that cliffhanger is a KILLER, waiting impatiently for book 2!

Well I devoured this book. I love a fantasy romance that becomes instantly immersive and this book was exactly that for me. You get both Kora and Derek's points of view right away in the book and I found both their stories compelling. The burn is fast like a wildfire.

I love getting a whole new world to explore in a book series. There are hints to a much larger universe and it probably explored in Donna Grant's other books. This is my first of her books so I now have some catching up to do.

I just wish the next book was out already. Nothing gets wrapped up before it ends.

Donna Grant has done it again! I absolutely love anything by Donna and this is no different. What's not to love about dragons?! I swooned over the MMC and loved the FMC. I loved the story as a whole and the writing was fantastic as usual! I'll forever be a Donna Grant fan!

LOOOOVE THIS BOOK! IT's so intriguing and the plot and storyline keep you in it. Would highly recommend. Great character development

There is nothing for me to say...nothing for me to do...other than riot. I absolutely refuse to wait until the middle of January to find out how this story ends! UGH!

I'm normally really good about not buying or requesting books that are part of a series...but this one got by me somehow. When I tell you that I literally didn't put this book down; from start to finish, I was enthralled. I read other reviews, and some of them mentioned needing more world building, but I disagree. In my opinion, this was everything it should've been - except published closer to the second book. There are definitely things that could be expounded on, but I never felt like that detracted from the storyline in any way. In fact, I think it helped keep me interested since there wasn't a ton of lore or information I had to slog through or remember.

This book was...chef's kiss. I definitely think there are going to be some who don't like it, but for me, I absolutely loved it. I will definitely be reading more books by Donna Grant - without question.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Donna for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was amazing! The writing was so beautiful and it was very enjoyable to read. And the romance was so good! It was such an enjoyable read.

Noooooooo,, now I have to wait, I love these dragon kings! Can a hellhound and a dragon ever be in love? This is the question for Derrick and Kora. Kora is the last of her people seeking revenge for their deaths. Derrick has secrets that Kora can never know about. Be aware even though it’s a cliffhanger it’s a great read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

SPORTOCHICK’S MUSINGS: The stunning ending of The Bastard King (The Bastard Duology book 1) stopped my heart, held it suspended, and my own being cried immediately for book 2.

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 book 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.

This installment in the Dragon Kings world is riveting. It was a big surprise to find out what Kora was. Merrill was an unexpected twist as well. I actually said "No" when I read the ending!

Wow. I loved this story! It was like breadcrumbs the author kept dropping...more reveals as well as new secrets and questions. note: while not necessary to have read Dragon Arisen and Dragon Born, this story is more robust if those have been read first. I can't wait to read the sequel to this story. Thank goodness it will be a fast follower!

Let me just start by saying this: If you’re diving into The Bastard King as your first taste of Donna Grant’s Dark Universe, honey, buckle up or go home. We’re talking about a world that’s been meticulously crafted over more than eighty books. That’s right, 8-0. So if you snagged an ARC just to flex on your bookish buddies but walked in without a clue, then babe, that mess you’re in? That’s all on you.

Now, for the rest of us who know Donna Grant’s world inside and out, The Bastard King is pure magic. I’m talking shocking twists, intense action, and enough steam to set your Kindle on fire. And let’s not even start on the character chemistry — Kora and Derek might’ve felt like strangers at first, but oh, the way Donna pulls back the layers of mystery! By the end, it’s like a tragic, explosive symphony of sorrow, secrets, and sizzling passion. 🔥

And that ending? Donna, you queen of cliffhangers! I’m still sitting here with my jaw on the floor and my heart racing, waiting for the second part of this duet, The Uncrowned King. Honestly, I don’t know whether to thank her or send her my therapy bill for the emotional rollercoaster she’s put me on.

For the trolls whining about this book? Donna, darling, let me remind you of Dante’s words: "Non ti curar di loro, ma guarda e passa." Translation? Don’t even bother. You’re busy being legendary.

Final note: If you’re a true fan, The Bastard King is another masterpiece. If you’re a newbie, grab the backlist and catch up, because this is one wild, brilliant ride you don’t want to miss.

I received this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. If you are looking for a story that contains dragons, hell hounds, star people, loss and vengeance look no further! In The Bastard King you come along on a journey with Kora as she tries to avenge the deaths of her uncle, brother and family. She’s the last of her kind that can defeat the powerful star person who initiated the attack to eliminate her kind. On her quest she’ll meet Derek, a dragon whose sole purpose has been to carry out the demands of the Star Person, Villette and protect the two dragon eggs in his care. As they meet and fall in love you’ll find out that they’re more connected than either of them realizes. The first book focused on character development and the stories of Kora and Derek. There is definitely some fighting action, but the main focus was getting us to fall in love with Kora and Derek and understanding what each person has gone through. Derek is strong and broody, but a loner and Kora is fiery and strong. I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this book and cannot WAIT until the next one comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Donna Grant for providing me with the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What to expect:
- Spice 4/5 🌶️ 🥵🥵🥵
- Hidden identities
- Many different and unique types of supernaturals
- Dragons/shifters
- Insta- lust
- Cliffhanger ⚠️
- 500+ year old fmc and mmc
- multi- PoV, mostly mmc and fmc
- third person

What I liked:
This book was amazing! It had everything I love, dragons, spice, did I mention dragons? I swear I’ve been feral for anything dragon related since reading Fourth Wing. That’s beside the point, this book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its entirety. I found the reveals unexpected and interesting. And that cliffhanger!?! I NEED the second book immediately!

I enjoyed the fmc, Kora. Was she perfect? No. But I still enjoyed reading about her. She has been through many hardships in her long life and lost many of the people she’s loved. Unfortunately I did find that she seemed a bit young to me. This woman is supposed to be over 500 years old and yet she’s making rash decisions and sharing her entire life story, which could get her killed, to a virtual stranger. Now, I understand that she isn’t perfect but I feel like after 500 years you would have more knowledge and experience to avoid making those impulsive decisions.

The writing style was unique, which I quite enjoyed. The minimal dialogue was definitely interesting. I felt I enjoyed the silence between Kora and Derek.

Finally the mmc, Derek. Honestly I really liked him. He has spent most of his life trying to find a way to free his people. Which is admirable until you learn the cost. Derek was super sweet when it came to Kora. It was cute watching him fall in love for the first time. Of course it was an annoying that he kept so many secrets but I do understand why he did, at least to some extent.

What I didn’t like:
Specifically with Kora I felt there was a lot of backstory missing. Like for instance, she spends 500 years hiding and searching for others like her, yet we get no description of it. I also felt like there was almost too much going on at the end of the book. It was like boom, reveal, boom, reveal, boom, betrayal. I felt it was hard to follow along at that point.

Other than that I still immensely enjoyed the book, even reading it in one sitting! Definitely pick it up if you enjoy spice and dragons!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Another awesome book by my favorite authors. Never disappointed in any of her work. Highly recommend her to everyone.

Two should be enemies, a dragon shifter on a mission to save his kind, and a fearless woman hiding her own magical secret embark on a journey among a kingdom divided by magic.

Derek and Kora should be mortal enemies but with both of them keeping their true identities a secret, they can’t keep their hands of each other. This was steamy, adventure fueled, full of secrets, twists and a couple betrayals. I love a strong fmc and Kora is as fearless as they come, but who wouldn’t be when you magically revive every time someone kills you lol. From the very beginning, you know Kora is special, but when her true nature was revealed, I literally did a double take. I wont spoil it for future readers, but it’s a first for me to see that element of hers represented in books and it was amazing. Ah Derek, a warrior heart torn between the woman he loves and saving his dragon kin. While he’s his own force to be reckoned with, I love that he uplifted and supported Kora’s character as well. This pairing was well matched and the romance throughout kept pace. That cliffhanger ending was dirty though, and I’m crying because I have to wait for the second book.

This story fits into the Dragon King universe but is a standalone though I would not recommend reading it as a total standalone since many characters from the other books in the Dragon Kings are referenced here and readers might be lost without the context.  Derek saw Kora and was fascinated despite his will and ends up saving her life. Kora lives for vengeance and enters an uneasy alliance with Derek in pursuit of her goals little realizing that he is one of the people she seeks vengeance from. 
The story definitely captures you from the get-go and surprises abound around every blind corner and curve. Kora needs to get to Stonemore and Derek has the means to get her there even though he hides who is and how he can get her there from her.  Derek resists but he is fascinated by Kora and can't wait to find out more about her. T
his book is another fascinating string to pull in the Dragon Kings series and holds a lot of surprises and answers.  Derek is ignorant of the Dragon Kings and believes the dragons are imprisoned on Zora and gives his allegiance to Villette to help free the dragons little realizing that she has lied to him all his life and used her lies as the means to control him. When he comes across Merrill who is a prisoner in Stonemore he has a hard time believing the truths that Merrill imparts to him.
In the meantime, Kora goes in search of her vengeance but becomes an unwitting tool in creating a scenario that may lead to disaster. OMG! the cliffhanger is mind blowing and it's hard to wait a few more months to read the second half of the story.  A great addition to the Dragon Kings universe which I thoroughly enjoyed though I am also anxiously awaiting the next chapters in the Dragon Kings that we've met and gotten to know well.

Donna, Donna, Donna you never dissapoint me and this book is no different. Just wow I am obsessed with this book please give me more.