Torched

I love this book. I’ve been waiting for this to happen forever!! I know I’m behind on current books in the series but I’m getting caught up. Amazing book and finally it’s all coming together!

I think Torched has been one of the most anticipated stories of this series. Ulrick has been banished from Draegan for centuries and has been building up his revenge and challenge to Con all this time. There may be spoilers for the previous books in this review so if you haven't started the Dark Kings yet, you may want to stay away from this review.<br /><br />I know Ulrick is supposed to be an evil character and he started out on my bad side with a lot of the things he had done. But when it came to light that he actually didn't do all the things he was being accused of doing, I felt hope for him in my heart. He did still conspire with the Dark Fae, but he continued his friendship with Rhi. Rhi wouldn't have put up with him too much if she thought he was pure evil. After the discovery of the other dragon seeking revenge, Ulrick seemed to get more defensive of the Dragon Kings. For me, all the bad stuff fell to the other guy.<br /><br />Ulrick is fearless and confident. His approach to handling his intended killer was pure Ulrick. So self-confident. But I love that she was able to bring out even more of the man of mystery and make you feel things for him. We know his story all along throughout the series, but you don't really get Ulrick's true feelings of betrayal and loss. Those feelings really come through in Torched and Ulrick tore open my heart and moved right in.<br /><br />After all that Ulrick faces in Torched, alongside his potential mate, I think the book worked towards a compromise I really agreed with and was happy about. I'm not sure how things will continue because there are still wars to fight, and there are still Dragon Kings to find their mates, but I felt like this book was a BIG one, that has the potential to steer the series into a new direction.<br /><br />Torched was definitely emotional and there were a lot of ups and downs for both our main characters. I love these two as a couple. They compliment each other so well and she doesn't put up with any of his crap. I look forward to how the Dragon Kings will contain the remaining conflicts in their lives. I'm also a <em>little</em> concerned for humans, but I think there are enough human mates that the possibility of the dragons turning against humanity is slim. The build up to the upcoming wars is exciting and we have a major power that needs put in her place. But who is going to be the one to do it! I can't wait to find out. I'm also still desperate to find out who Rhi's Dragon King was and if they will ever come together again. <br /><br />This series is exciting with all of it's action and romance. The perfect combo to keep you on the edge of your seat, engrossed in the story for all hours.<a href="https://www.rantingsofareadingaddict.com/2018/07/review-torched-by-donna-grant-donna_grant-smpromance.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict</a>

4 stars - Paranormal Romance

The 13th book of the series...<br /><br />It is the most powerful redemption book that I have ever read that Ms. Grant have written. After Phelan and Aisley's story, I thought that was the best redemption..since Aisley was a focal point, then it was Dale. But I was wrong.<br /><br />The King of Silvers, Ulrik, topped all of them. <br /><br />It was a heartbreaking journey. From book one, up to this book. The tears I have shed, each time his past was shown with the previous books, I wanted to get the the whole story...however, reading parts of it, and reading the whole thing from his POV hurts more. <br /><br />The emotions, both past, present, and the future are combined to in this book. It is hard to form words when you can feel the tears falling down on your cheeks. There is too much emotions in the book that you would like to be in it, just to ease the pain of the people I am reading. <br /><br />A book like no other, Ulrik's story takes us in a whirlwind of emotions. Each page is full of doubt, betrayal, revenge, a thirst of power...but most importantly, it teaches us that love does heal. All you have to do is accept, to forgive, and to realize that each person has a different way to protect the people around them.<br /><br />Brava, Ms. Grant! This is one amazing book, and I cannot wait to read the others.

I have anxiously waited from the beginning for Ulrick's story. I could not even begin to imagine how it would all turn out or what the author had in mind for his story. This book exceeded my expectations. Fabulous way to resolve this untenable situation. Happy, as well, to see Erith ("Death" from the spin off series "Reapers") finally reveal herself to Con. But, oh, the new scenarios that were set up at the end of this book! Keep them coming! It is a great series.

<b>Re-listened on 24/1-2020.<br />First listened on 29-30/12-2019.<br /><br />Review from 30/12-2019:</b><br />I loved it and I love that Ulrik is finally good and with the others again.

This is the book we have all been waiting for and it did not disappoint!<br /><br />Ulrik has been waiting for revenge for thousands of years but now he has a new target, Mikkel his uncle. Eilish has been told by Mikkel to kill Ulrik. She doesn’t want to though because she knows she can’t and that Ulrik is the true king of the silvers. She can’t stop thinking about Ulrick, nor he her. Slowly with each interaction they grow closer and start to trust again. <br /><br />Ulrik and Eilish’s relationship was beautiful. I loved every minute of it. Eilish was perfect for Ulrik. She saw through his protective shell and brought out the old Ulrik. She taught him to trust again. They gave each other their missing families and made them whole again. Their relationship was filled with love, fear, danger and also peace. <br /><br /><i>“When they were together, they were the only two people in the entire world. The past hurts and grievances and present pain and anger couldn’t touch them.”</i><br /><br />A lot of new developments in the story happened as well. Mikkel’s crimes are finally brought to light and revenge is had. Usaeil has finally snapped and gone after both Con and Rhi. New updates on the mysterious weapon. I couldn’t put this book down. I love that this book was just as good the second time around.

Okay so I don't want to give anything away since if you are like me and have followed the series you have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for this book.<br /><br />Ulrik<br />The ultimate bad guy. The one who would not stop until he destroys the King of Kings and then unleashes his fury on the mortals, eliminating them from this world.<br /><br />Eilish<br />Druid who has a mysterious past. A pawn for another evil man. <br /><br />What happens when their paths cross and neither of them is ready for the sparks that fly.<br /><br />OMG!<br />I hoped that Donna would make good on her promise to give us some answers and closure on some issues the Kings have faced. Unfortunately we still don't know who Rhi's king is....but that's okay. You would not believe some of this information we get. Oh and Erith (Death) makes an appearance. Usuck, like that name better for her, is in for a few surprises and now, it's on. The gloves are off, let's get ready to rumble! <br /><br />The "weapon" is missing....only spoiler you get.<br /><br />I will say this though, there were a couple of moments where a tear or two might have been shed. But at the end, if you are devoted to the Kings you are going to be happy. Things are going to be okay....

I have looked forward to Ulrik's story and this did not disappoint! OMG, I loved every second of it.  It is 386 pages long and I read it in one day; it was perfect and handled the backstory well and it was believable as Ulrik slowly came back into the fold with Con and Dreagan. Eilish was a strong, well developed character who was a perfect match for Ulrik. Their chemistry was explosive and they worked well together. I liked that she didn't push him or try to change him, which I believe is why she was able to win his love in the end.  It this installment we do have an epic battle between Mikkel and Usaeil vs. Con and Ulrik (that is right they fight side-by-side).  So many pieces are being moved around and Donna Grant does a really good job keeping the plot and conflicts moving along without getting confusing or complicated.  Everything flows together well. I am not going to talk about any of the plot developments because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but know that it is awesome and things that we want to happen, happen.

This novel is #13 in the series, "Dark Kings" by author; Donna Grant. This was one seriously powerful novel in the series so far. Talk about a novel about redemption, doubt, betrayal, love and forgiveness. Holy Smokes, this novel definitely had it all!!! OMG, I LOVED it!! The HOT Scottish alpha male that's able to shift into his natural form as a dragon and his story! It wasn't always the case if you have read any of the novels from the beginning. His story is brought up in every novel however, this story was about him and what he endured. It was truly an amazing read! If you are in a book rut then this series and author are definitely worth your time! You won't be disappointed! It's definitely a dragon ride!