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.

The Uncrowned King was a good read, but I found this book a bit slower than the previous book in this series. This book picks up where the previous book left off with Derek dealing with his memory loss and trying to figure out what is the truth and what's lies, and Miena isn't making things easy. Kora is desperate to find Derek but when it comes to him her life may be in more danger than she thinks. Miena isn't going down without a fight, even if that means taking out family. Merril saved Kora's life and now he's also introduced her to allies she would have never imagined working with. She's in for a world of surprises, even when it comes to her "species" and those she seen and thought of as enemies. If she wants to save Derek and survive, everyone must work together to beat their common enemy. There were a lot of characters introduced in this story so although this is the ending to Derek and Kora's story, I'm sure well read more about the dragons, druids, fae's, reapers, star people, banshee, humans, tomte and many more of these characters in other books. However, when it comes to this story, it has memory loss, battle, sacrifice, death, betrayal, suspense, surprises, forgiveness, love and a sweet and happy ending for Derek and Kora.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley! I enjoyed the second and final book in this series. When starting it, I realized there are other books in this universe and I will also be reading them to get to know the other characters better. I do feel like some of the events were rushed in this book especially the ending. I am not really a fan of insta- love as I have said before and so Derek and Kora’s relationship was a little cringey to me. However, I do love their devotion to each other. When Kora finally brings Derek back, I can honestly say I was crying, good ending!

Love, love these dragon kings! Finally the end of Kora and Dericks story, and it was just as spectacular as the beginning was! If your a dragon and magic fan this is the book for you, lol and who doesn’t like a good guys winning over the bad story!

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

Donna Grant, you never cease to enrapture me. I have been dying to get my hands on this book! Kora and Derek are the it couple. I love them so much! I'm only sad this was a duology and that their story has ended.

This story continues where the other left off. Derek's memory is erased again and Kora is still battling evil while trying to get Derek back, only this time she's not alone. She's made friends with other magical creatures and dragons of all people. You see her struggle to push past her fear and accept her new reality where not all dragons are evil. She's also come to terms with her feelings for Derek.

Derek is struggling because he needs facts to fully accept what Miena has said but doesn't really have any information to go on. He's struggling to remember anything. He gets glimpses of dark hair and knows his heart belongs to someone but can't remember who. My heart was breaking for Derek. I was basically screaming in my head for Derek to remember Kora.

The other characters in the story were also fantastic. Rhi was a strong guidance and ally for Kora. Villette shocked me and now I'm questioning her. Do I like her or not because even she grew on me. There are somethings I'm still curious about, like Eurielle and what happened.

The end had my heart singing. I'm so happy and sad at the same time. I'm only really sad because their story is over. Derek and Kora will forever be a top couple for me.

I highly recommend this duology!

Thank you Donna Grant and Netgalley for the ARC!

Kora and Derek are back. Derek has his memories erased and is with Miena. She tells him to kill the Dragon Kings and any hellhounds he comes across. He keeps dreaming of a woman but she has no face. He believes it’s his mate but he can’t remember her name. Kora is with the other dragons on Zora and all trying to come up with a plan to get Derek back. She has to make a blood vow with Villette to get her help. Anything done to the other they feel is many times more. Hen Derek finally faces Kora, he tries to kill her but they capture him so they can try and get his memories back. Lottie, Villette, and Eurielle must take on Miena to destroy her while Kora sneaks in to destroy her. Can Kora and Derek finally get their happily ever after?
I loved this book. Action. Forever love. Dragons. Fae. Familiar faces. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give anything away.

*VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *

Finally! After being in agony for two months after finishing the Bastard King, I was very excited to see the Uncrowned king pop up on Netgalley.

Finally we can find out what Derek's history is and how Kora will learn whether dragon's are responsible for her family's deaths, or not… True to Donna, she keeps you on your toes and she gives you hope and takes it away on the next page. But, when you turn the final page, you can't help but sigh and think back on a marvelous ride!

Thank you, Donna, again for the great addition to the Dark Kings family. It just keeps expanding. Keep it up, please! Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
Second book was even better than the first. Sibling rivalry, mates, and war. I definitely think the bastard kind and the uncrowned king could have been one book. They are great short reads though. Donna did a great job with world building and characters. I do wish there would have been more to Koras character though. Overall a great read.

Part 2 of a duology set on Zora and the Dragon Kings world. Derek is a Dragon King who has had his mind wiped by Villette so many times he doesn’t know who he is anymore. Kora is a Hellhound whose family was destroyed by Villette. Derek and Kora teamed up in book one and fell in love while trying to take down Villette but now Derek is in the hands of Miena, Villete’s sister. Miena is even more evil than Villette if that’s even possible. Kora teams up with Rhi and Con and the other Kings to bring Derek back and are forced to work with Villette to take Miena diwn for good.

I enjoyed book 2. It was more action packed than book 1 with a larger group of characters. There was heartbreak, tragedy, reunions, love and a very satisfying ending. Highly recommend.

Wow! what an epic conclusion to this duology in the Dragon Kings universe. I was eagerly anticipating this novel after completing the first in the duology, The Bastard King. HIGHLY recommend reading the Bastard King first. In Bastard King, Derek was a dragon made, not a dragon born, and has been manipulated all of his life by his creator. He meets Kora, and his world is turned upside down. In The Uncrowned King, Derek and Kora's story continues as they unite with the dragon kings to battle a common foe on Zora. Their relationship is tested throughout the story, but their love and bond is unbreakable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Donna Grant for the ARC of The Uncrowned King.
While I can see this book appealing to many readers, it just didn’t align with my personal preferences. The writing style felt off and I found the world-building a bit thin, leaving me wanting more depth to the story’s setting, especially after the first book thrusted one into the story without any explanation.
Sadly, I couldn’t bring myself to care for the main character on a deeper level.
Additionally, the level of spice was more than I typically enjoy.

Although not my particular preference in story, I can see this book being popular with readers of different tastes.

Part two of the Bastard Duology follows the cliffhanger ending of The Bastard King. It takes us to new levels of conflict in the never-ending battle of good versus evil in Donna Grant's Dark Universe. The Uncrowned King ratchets up the tension between the Dragon Kings and Miena. Is the enemy of my enemy my friend? New alliances form in the effort to rid Zora of that evil Star Person.

This is an exciting, action packed story that questions loyalty under pressure. We are left wondering what happens next with Villette, Daelya, and Katla. At least Kora and Derek found their HEA together. With Skye Druids, Elves, Reapers, Dark Fae, Light Fae, Star People, Dark Kings, Hellhounds and more, Donna Grant's Dark Universe keeps expanding as the worlds keep overlapping. Can't wait to find out what happens next!

Loved reading the mesmerizing, spellbinding, and engaging paranormal story. When Derek loses his memory again endangering Kora, Kora stands firm against Derek's uncontrollable fury to kill her, and Kora believes their love for each other will save them. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of action and captivating characters, and a must read riveting story by the phenomenally talented author, Donna Grant.

I had really enjoyed the Bastard King and was so excited to see the Uncrowned King available on Netgalley. The Uncrowned King shifts focus a bit - rather than just centring Zora and Derek, it really brings in the other Dragon Kings from her Dragon Kings novel as central characters. It also means that some of the characters who were very prominent in the Bastard King receive less focus. I hope future books in her series will follow the fate of Stonemare. I enjoyed the book, but would really recommend it to those who had previously read the Dragon Kings and will be able to follow the new characters and plot threads.

Doona Grant's dragon stories never disappoint. This was one focused on Derek who loved Kora who was a hellhound. When he was injured, Miena took him and erased his memories. She was a Star Person and had made him which gave him some of her power, whch she didn't know. She got her power from children, stripping them of their magic. Kora bound herself to Villette who wa another Star Person in order to find Derek again. The problem with that is that whenever one of them got injured, the other one felt it. The other Dragon Kings helped her and fought bravely. It was a good story and nice to hear about Con and his mate. It was a very good story that had a good ending

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Book Review: The Uncrowned King by Donna Grant

A Fiery Tale of Forbidden Love, Vengeance, and Redemption

Donna Grant’s The Uncrowned King, the powerful conclusion to her Dragon King duology, is an electrifying blend of passion, action, and emotional depth. This gripping sequel raises the stakes for its star-crossed lovers and delivers a satisfying, heart-wrenching tale that will leave readers spellbound.

Plot Overview
The protagonist is the last of her kind—a hellhound who has survived the systematic annihilation of her people by dragons. Her life has been one of constant flight and solitude, until she meets him. The Dragon King, a figure as dangerous as he is irresistible, becomes her unlikely ally and her greatest love.

Their bond is as intense as it is forbidden, a romance that defies centuries of enmity between their races. But their happiness is fleeting. Their love is torn apart by betrayal and violence, forcing the hellhound to confront her past and fight for her future.

The Dragon King, meanwhile, faces his own battles. With his throne under threat, he must reclaim his kingdom while grappling with the loss of the woman who has become his heart and soul. Together, they must navigate a perilous path, where love may be their only weapon against overwhelming odds.

Characters: Love and Power Collide
The hellhound heroine is a standout character, defined by her resilience and fire. As the last of her kind, she carries the weight of an entire race’s survival on her shoulders, making her journey both poignant and inspiring. Her evolution from a hunted survivor to a fierce warrior fighting for love is one of the novel’s most compelling arcs.

The Dragon King is equally captivating, embodying both the regal authority of a ruler and the raw vulnerability of a man in love. His determination to protect his throne and the woman he loves is the driving force of the story, making him a hero worth rooting for.

Together, their chemistry is explosive. Grant captures the intensity of their connection with searing passion and emotional depth, making their romance the beating heart of the story.

Themes: Love, Sacrifice, and the Fight for Identity
At its core, The Uncrowned King is a story about love and the sacrifices it demands. The forbidden romance between the hellhound and the Dragon King challenges the boundaries of loyalty, prejudice, and duty.

The theme of identity is also central, as both characters struggle to reconcile their roles as leaders with their personal desires. For the hellhound, this means confronting the pain of her people’s extinction and reclaiming her place in a world that has cast her aside. For the Dragon King, it means balancing his love for her with the weight of his responsibilities as ruler.

World-Building: A Realm of Dragons and Myth
Grant’s world-building is as rich and immersive as ever. The intricate lore of the Dragon Kings and the haunting history of the hellhounds create a vivid backdrop for the story’s drama. The interplay between magic, myth, and political intrigue adds layers of complexity that elevate the narrative.

The descriptions of the Dragon King’s realm, with its fiery grandeur and ancient secrets, are particularly striking. This setting becomes a character in itself, shaping the choices and destinies of those who inhabit it.

Pacing and Prose
The pacing is relentless, driving the story forward with a blend of high-octane action and deeply emotional moments. Grant’s prose is evocative and lyrical, capturing both the intensity of battle and the tenderness of forbidden love.

The romantic tension is exquisitely crafted, with moments of heartbreak and longing that resonate long after the final page.

For Fans Of...
Readers who enjoy the sweeping romance and epic stakes of series by Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Grace Draven will find much to love in The Uncrowned King. Fans of Grant’s previous works will also appreciate the continuation of her Dragon King universe, with its blend of passion, peril, and prophecy.

Final Thoughts
The Uncrowned King is a stunning conclusion to Donna Grant’s Dragon King duology, delivering a tale that is as fiery and unforgettable as its protagonists. With its dynamic characters, forbidden romance, and richly woven world, this novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.

Grant masterfully blends love and loss, vengeance and redemption, leaving readers with a story that lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned.

An amazing and fantasy filled conclusion to The Bastard King that will please everyone who loves Derek and Kora and their Star-crossed love.

Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for an advanced reader copy of this book.

Donna has done it again! I loved The Bastard King and loved this one even more! Packed with action, tension, and forbidden lovers facing an ultimate test, this is an epic conclusion to The Bastard Duology! I love these characters and will miss this world!