It’s no secret that I am a longtime fan of Donna Grant and I think her world building is absolutely masterful. She has a unique way of drawing her readers into the story and absolutely loving it. This is no different with The Uncrowned King.

Picking up from the cliffhanger of The Bastard King, miss Grant jumps us into action of a page turning roller coaster of a story. With a nice recap and some history of the Dragon Kings a new reader could easily follow along with the story. Kora and face off from the first pages with hopes of more coming from the actions. Lots of tension and crazy action packed battles fill the pages of the story. We have a fiery forbidden romance that tugs at your heart strings, a brooding dragon king and a resilient hellhound surprisingly make a perfect pair. If paranormal is your jam and you love some fantastic world building with a lot of spice and heat Donna Grant will always deliver exactly what you need.

Can Book 2 make you love Book 1 even more?!
All of the back story for Derek and Kora's story make this hit so much harder!

I LOVED the Lovers-to-Enemies story going on here!! Derek and Kora are amazing together and their redemption story was so good!!

I shouldn’t have to say this, but as book#2 in a duology, you should reach book 1 before this one. I read these books back-to-back and it was a pretty satisfying way to consume them. If you had to wait for this one, I’m sorry. That cliffhanger!

We join Kora who is desperate to save Derek from his potential brain-wiping fate at the hands of the woman she helped free. She ends up teaming up with dragons and their mates, finding a mutual enemy as the reason she is able to overcome years of hatred against dragonkind. We get to spend some time with familiar faces if you are aware of the larger universe of these stories. They help Kora settle in and ultimately hunt for her mate.

Derek is not so lucky. He has to try to stitch his memory back together from pieces and what the big bad tells him. He is, thankfully, skeptical, and ends up challenging the mission he is put on. This doesn’t stop the big showdown, though, but in a good way. Everyone eventually ends up in the same place, fighting it out, and we even get a grand wedding! This book was a rollercoaster that had me equal parts cringing at what Derek does and rooting for team “good dragons.” While I think you need to have read at least a few books in this world to truly appreciate the big plot work done, these two books, when read together, give a very satisfying conclusion.

This book was simply amazing. I loved everything about it and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading it. It was a blast.

When I started the book, I immediately realised the mistake. I haven't read the first one in the duet. But it just tells you how great this book is because I still managed every second of it. Donna Grant's Dragon shifter books are a must read if you love shifter romance. Derek and Kora's adventure was absolutely thrilling and heart wrecking. Full of action, suspense and twists..The Uncrowned King was irresistible.

The book starts at the point when the evil Star People Mirena makes Derek disappear in middle of a battle..and her other evil sister gets caught in Kora's Hellhound fire. She obliterated his memory and put false vicious ideas in his head about Dragon Kings and Hellhounds. Kora won't stop till she gets Derek back. It's an uphill battle against some really dangerous powers.


Derek isn't like other Dragons. He was created by Mirena's magic and a part of her evil plan to kill all the dragons. But he resisted consistently and his mind was repeatedly played with. The Hellhounds and Dragons are enemies as per their history. But he met Kora and their hearts got connected. Kora denied her roots for a long time but now it's time to embrace her magic and get her mate back. She was incredibly brave and resilient. She opened her heart to new ideas and new association against her past. For Derek, she was ready to do anything. Her love changed everything. Derek could fight against Mirena's manipulations because of her love in his subconscious mind. It was a lot complicated and he almost lost her while his memories were gone. But finally they joined their powers to beat the evil. Their love was strong and their bond was unbreakable even at the face of adversities. I loved meeting some of my favorite Dragon Kings and their mates again. Their loyalty and connection is epic as always. This story is full of dramatic events, epic battles of magic and heartaching love. Another winner from Donna Grant.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Allow me to set the scene, darlings: if you're strolling into Donna Grant’s Dark Universe for the first time with The Uncrowned King, stop right there. It would be like waltzing into the middle of a masquerade ball without a mask—confusing, out of place, and utterly missing the magic. This is the second book in the Bastard Duology, and trust me, the intricate web of lore and character dynamics demands (nay, deserves) the respect of a proper introduction through its predecessors.

Now, onto the main event: Derek and Kora. Their story picks up after a cliffhanger that had us all dangling precariously on the edge of a narrative abyss. This tale is not just a love story; it’s a vivid tapestry of loyalty, found family, and unwavering friendship. The chemistry between these two is electrifying, the kind that makes you grip the book tighter and mutter “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m.

Donna Grant, in her infinite genius, once again proves that her imagination is boundless—a veritable river that flows with fresh stories, fiendish villains, and, oh yes, unrelenting passion. The world she builds is so vibrant, so textured, it practically leaps off the page. You don’t read The Uncrowned King; you live it. Each word feels like a portal, dropping you smack-dab into battles that are as epic as they are magical, and moments of romance that simmer with just the right amount of tension.

But what truly sets this book apart is its connectivity. Grant’s Dark Universe doesn’t just expand; it evolves. After so many books, you’d think the threads might fray or the shine might dull—but no. It remains an unbroken, gleaming tapestry, tying this duology seamlessly into the larger universe.

And about that ending: yes, we get the much-deserved HEA (for now—because nothing is ever truly settled in a Grant book, is it?). But the lingering threads left untied? They’re the kind of deliciously maddening hooks that will have me stalking release dates for the next installment like a hawk.

So, here’s my verdict: The Uncrowned King is a triumph. It’s passionate, it’s immersive, and it’s unapologetically fantastical. If you haven’t yet delved into the Dark Universe, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. For those of us already caught in its thrall, this book is yet another jewel in Donna Grant’s glittering crown.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here impatiently waiting for whatever comes next. 👑

This is the second book in the duology and not a standalone. I’m a big fan of Donna Grant. However, the one thing I do feel about her continuing series is that you don’t always get the full effect unless you read all the previous books. This was a good solid read. Enjoyed the characters, the storyline and as always in the authors series, it’s good to see reoccurring characters.

Thanks so much for letting me read your book I loved it so much can't wait for the next one I cried laughed it was absolutely perfect in my opinion two people meeting in an unlikely way and just omg perfect

The Uncrowned King was a compelling read especially after the first book in this duology by Donna Grant. The description has been vague with character’s thoughts without telling anything about them. I will also try not to leave any spoilers except to say the first book ended with a cliffhanger so I could hardly wait patiently for this book. This is tied to the Dark Dragons and Dragon Kings, being one of the best of the series.

I think that you could read these on their own if not having read the series. Fantasy readers will not be disappointed but will fall in love with this world created in the books. I highly recommend it to all romantic, adventure-filled fantasy readers.

Wow! What a ride! I devoured The Uncrowned King in one day—action-packed, adventure-filled, and impossible to put down. If you're looking for a book that feels like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for but are thrilled you stumbled onto, this one’s for you.

This sequel picks up right where The Bastard King left us, and boy, does it deliver on the drama. Derek, our MMC, has once again had his mind wiped. Seriously, someone needs to gift this man a journal or a Post-it—anything to help him keep track of what’s real versus what’s twisted version of the facts. Meanwhile, Kora is deep in her guilt spiral, blaming herself for, well, everything, and deciding the best way to fix things is to team up with the enemy. Bold move, Kora.

The introduction of new secondary characters adds that “Wait, WHAT?!” moments. If you love a good shock factor, this book delivers. The pacing? Fast. The twists? Predictable but still enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk about the world-building. The concept of “everyone is a king” is intriguing but also a bit confusing. While the world itself was decent, I found myself wishing for more emotional depth in the characters. I wanted to feel Kora and Derek's struggles, not just read about them.

That said, The Uncrowned King is an exhilarating conclusion to the duology. If you can look past a few moments of confusion and lean into the fast-paced madness, you’re in for an entertaining escape.

4.25stars-THE UNCROWNED KING is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult THE BASTARD paranormal, fantasy duology set in the author’s Dragon Kings world. This is the continuing story of Dragon Derek, and hellhound Kora. THE UNCROWNED KING should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of THE BASTARD KING. I recommend reading the Dragon King series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.


SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine, the people of Stonemore, and a woman known as Villette

Told from omniscient third person perspectives including Derek and Kora THE UNCROWNED KING continues to focus on the search for Derek-who is the mate to Kora, and under the control of Miena, a powerful Star Person who is taking aim at the dragons and Dragon Kings but Derek, and his brother ‘Gordon’ are unfamiliar to the Dragon Kings, and Con, unfamiliar in a way that is unnatural and wrong. Having found then once again lost the man that she loves, Kora must go in search of our hero, a dragon who has target Kora and the Kings.

The world building is, once again, complex and detailed, following several paths, several fights and battles, and a layer of mistrust that runs dangerous and deep.

The relationship between Derek and Kora is tempestuous throughout the series as Derek is lead to believe Kora is the enemy; that the Kings killed his mate; and his obedience has been commanded by the only woman he has ever known. Often times left to his own devices, Derek struggles with the memories that may or may not be real but memories that threaten his future with the woman he once loved. The lone $ex scene is passionate.

Once again, there Is a large ensemble cast of powerful, magical and supernatural beings, all of whom we have met in the numerous interconnected series. Con and Rhi return, as well as their children Brandr and Eurwen; and Villette, Eurielle and their sister Miena.

THE UNCROWNED KING reveals a potentially new path and new ARC with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and the new clan of dragons under Derek’s command. The premise is intricate and thorough; the romance struggles in the face of lies and mistrust; the characters are desperate and magical.



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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