Torched: A Dark Kings Novel

This is the thirteenth book in the Dark Kings series.One of the most enigmatic characters of this series has been Ulrik, Dragon King of Silvers. We’ve heard his story from one side, that of the Dragon Kings, yet there have been instances where Ulrik’s actions haven’t always matched who you expected him to be, even when the reader learned the existence of Mikkel, the uncle who uncannily resembles him. There is more to the man and dragon than we have been allowed to see, until now.When humans came to this realm the dragons protected them. Ulrik fell in love with a mortal woman and would take her for his mate. When she betrayed him, to spare Ulrik, the dragon kings unanimously banded together and dealt with her execution. Upon learning what transpired Ulrik ran amok and took his anger out on the humans. The war between mankind and the dragons that ensued ended with the majority of the dragons sent to another realm with only the dragon kings remaining. As Ulrik wouldn’t cease killing humans his magic was bound, he was exiled from Dreagan, and condemned to an eternity in the human form that he loathed. Getting the perspective from Ulrik’s point of view was enlightening, with the fathomless depth of his emotional suffering from the betrayals and the loss of his magic and ability to shift, it was hard not to feel compassion for this exiled dragon king.Implementing his long-planned path of vengeance against those he once called brothers, Ulrik finds himself distracted by Eilish, the powerful druid working for his uncle. She’s a willing pawn in the chess game being waged with lives and she has a mission forced on her if she’s to obtain the information she’s long sought, kill Ulrik, but she doesn’t even attempt to when the opportunity arises and that places her in grave danger. Protection is what Ulrik can offer but does he want her as his own resource or is there something more to this druid that calls to him? Can this mighty silver find love and in it redemption?This was an awesome, emotional and captivating story. Though Ulrik was dead set on the destruction of the dragon kings and humans he sometimes found himself conflicted about them, his actions in support of individual kings confused them. Trust once lost is hard to regain and Ulrik had a lot to work through and showed much growth, good and evil exists in everyone and this dragon king and druid had to find the balance between them. There were numerous revelations to previously unanswered questions and additional twists as storylines converged. This series is enthralling, a beautifully woven tapestry of the imagination that continues to evolve, and this reader so looks forward to more of this saga.

Great

Loved loved loved.

I've loved Ulrik since day one. Yes, he was the supposed bad guy. But he was very badly treated by his fellow dragons, and that betrayal took him down a very dark path. Which was a shame because it ruined the friendship he had with Con, his very best friend for most of his life, all the way to the day Con betrayed him.In this book, we find out more about how the whole thing went down. We learn about the peripheral characters involved in his downfall from grace with the dragons. And we meet someone who could just possibly bring him back from the brink.There is action that flows nicely with the background information. I love the way Donna Grant is able to combine the past with the present to keep us interested without getting confused. I never wonder when I am within the storyline. I always know. She brought issues going on now with the Light Fae Queen Usaeil, with Rhi, with the Dark Fae King, Balladyn, and the Druids along with all the problems Mikkel brought down on Ulrik and the newest character, Eilish. And what unusual Irish names she uses! I love those. My Irish ancestry draws me to the lore, and I've always found their names to be beautiful, lyrical, meaningful.Yep, I've been in love with these Dragon Kings for a very very long time and now is no exception. This was excellently done, Donna Grant, and I'm can't believe it took me so long to write a review! This is an amazing series. Start with book 1, Darkest Flame, and read your way through all 18 of her books. This one is book 13, so you'll get here eventually. And it's a wonderous road to follow, I promise. Worth every penny!

Wonderful

There is not an adjective that will describe this book. That word has not been invented yet.The long awaited book of Ulrik, King of the Silvers.He was betrayed by the woman he loved. His brethren, to spare him the grief, killed her. He turned his anger to the humans and sought to eradicate them from the face of the earth. The brother of his heart, Constantine, stopped him, bound his magic and banished him from his home. Betrayed again by those he considered his family, he plotted his revenge. It is what kept him going decade after decade.Now he has a chance to fulfil his one desire. Will he challenge Con for past deeds? Or will the dark haired beauty by his side convince him he is redeemable?

I actually thought about not reading this novel in the Dragon Kings series, because I didn't like Ulrick and couldn't figure out how I could possibly like it. But I was so surprised and elated as I read this book and realized yet again, how talented Donna is as an author. There isn't much I can say about it without giving away too much, and I really don't want to ruin it for other readers. Suffice it to say that it is brilliant, surprising and now, one of my favorites in this series. I have a feeling that the last books will probably be some of her best works and can't wait for them. Of course, I'm waiting for Constantine's novel with bated breath! I have read The Dark Warriors, Dark Swords and continue with The Dark Kings and The Reapers. They are so unusual, in the best way, and I only hope readers will read all of them as well. I can promise you won't be disappointed in either the characters or the stories. Thanks Donna!

Loved it!!

I am a HUGE fan of Donna Grant’s books and in particular the Dark Kings series and this is the one that I had been waiting for – Ulrik’s story!!I have to say that I thought that the plot line was superb, it was completely addictive and I loved the story right from the outset. It was a complete page turner and I thought it had a brilliant ending. The book is fantasy but it is so realistic too with excellent characterisation and people you can really feel for.It was great to be able to catch up with the main characters again and I was left shocked and angry as the story behind Ulrik’s past was finally revealed. I had really high expectations for this book and Donna Grant more than met them with what she has crafted.No hesitation in giving this one 5 stars, it is for me the best book released to date in the series and wrapped up so many loose ends – I can’t wait to see how the story develops going forward now – very highly recommended!

Is 5* really all I can give this book? If like me you have read all the Dragon King books you have been waiting with baited breath for this one and Donna Grant has not disappointed. Exciting and thrilling from start to finish and she knows just how to leave us waiting for more. Hurry up November and Dragon Flame.

Great to see that Ulrik story had a happy ending and brought back into the fold...I guess now the war starts...As always well written,in depth story lines...but what about Con..Donna,s writing really brings to life all the characters,such a great imaginative writer..

I loved this book so much what a story I loved the fact that at last we saw the side I new ulrik had in him thanks to a Druid thank you once again for a fabulous story cannot wait for the next book Xxxxx

It’s the first time I have reviewed any book I have read all the dragon kings books for me it was the best so far. I am so happy that things happens the way they did. Not going to spoil anything . Keep them coming . Thank you