Flame is the next Dark Kings book in New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant’s series. If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other. But that fire was put out long ago. . . Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born–and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind … instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?
Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross–even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?
Praise for the Dark Kings series:
“Provocative [and] sizzling.”–RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“A must-read.”–Night Owl Reviews
more
This ARC was received through both NetGalley and from Donna Grant’s ARC Angles for an honest review, any and all opinions are strictly my own and no way reflect the opinions of the author or the publisher.
This rollercoaster of ride begins with a Dark Fae, Noreen, sending a warning email to Dreagan which is read by Cain. After meeting Noreen, Cain has to hide her from the Others which becomes problematic since she is being tracked. Once she is safe and the beans begin to spill about the Others, other revelations begin coming to light.
The couple in this book are great, but the back-story bombs are the best. So many story arcs are tied up or a few more puzzle pieces are added so you can see more of the picture. All the back stabbing and double crosses that you didn’t see coming… it was hard not to get whip-lash. For those who familiar with the Dark World. Rhi’s DK has not been officially named yet…. BUT you do get to learn all about the Others, the fate of those who fell during the battle at the Light Castle, why humans were brought to this realm and so much more. It is a must read. Buckle up and enjoy the read.
Let me just say, if this is the first Dark King book you are going to read…DON’T! There is so much history referenced and new information that you need the series to fully enjoy this book.
For you long timers…..
IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!!
Noreen, a Dark Fae and one of the Others, has decided to jump ship and help the Kings. She has plenty of information but will they believe her.
Her email has caught the Kings attention but do they send someone to investigate knowing it might be a trap or take the chance of sending Cain just in case luck is giving them a hand?
As with all the other books, the King finding his mate is stormy, passionate and sometimes tear jerking. In this book the romance to me played a secondary role. Their coming together is the chance for us to learn more about Moreann, the Others, the “grand plan of destruction”, the missing weapon, what happened to Usaeil’s and Balladyn’s bodies….there is so much here.
There are also signs that CAN NOT BE IGNORED about just who the mysterious King is who broke Rhi’s heart. I can’t say it surprises me but after some of the things that have gone on…..oh he better be ready to really suck up for her forgiveness.
Another good book in a series of good books. I want to say i can’t wait for the next one but I can….the end of this series is coming soon. 🙁
4.5 stars–FLAME by Donna Grant is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is navy Dragon Cain, and Dark Fae Noreen’s story line. FLAME should not be read as a stand alone as the current story line continues to follow the ongoing series arc.
SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland, including the latest spin off about the Fae executioners known as the REAPERS. The Dragon Kings have a new enemy with the recent appearance of a group known as the Others, but their true identity and membership is currently unknown. As each Dragon King falls in love and finds his mate, King Constantine is pulled further away from the woman he loves, a woman he betrayed thousands of years earlier.
Told from several third person perspectives including Noreen and Cain FLAME focuses on the search for the truth, and the identity of the group known as the Others. An anonymous email to the Dreagon, the home of the Dragon Kings, finds Navy dragon Cain volunteering to ferret out the information the sender claims to know. Enter Dark Fae Noreen, a member of the Others, and the woman with whom Cain will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cain and Noreen, and the potential fall-out as betrayal is inevitable when dealing with the enemy.
Navy dragon King Cain knows he has found his mate in the Dark Fae Noreen but trust doesn’t come easily for the other Kings. Having been betrayed in the past, and the obvious issue of Noreen’s identity, the Dragon Kings struggle to accept Noreen at face value including Rhi, a powerful Fae who sees more than most. While Rhi battles between head and heart, her Dragon King slowly begins to spiral out of control without the love of the woman he had chosen to destroy.
FLAME, like many of the previous storylines, recounts and chronicles the history of the Dragons, the Fae, the Druids and humankind; the betrayal leading to war between the dragons and human but also reveals the reason for the Others-their determination, their drive, their goals and their vengeance. We are introduced to their leader, their members and the powerful magic that controls the world but a magic that is slowly dissipating from other realms with prolonged and nefarious use.
FLAME is a story of betrayal, secrets, vengeance and lies. A tale of powerful magic and manipulation, broken minds and broken souls. The premise is intriguing and emotional; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are spirited, animated and impassioned.
I enjoyed this book. Noreen and Cain made a compelling pair that you are quick to embrace. The story is well written and engaging. Powerful emotions, drama, tension, turmoil, intrigue, excitement and danger are crafted into a potent combination that delivers a very enticing book that was a pleasure to read. This is my volitional, forthright review.
As usual Donna puts you right there in the story. She paints a picture and you feel like you are there. Once I started, definitely didn’t want to put it down.
Wow! This book was so good. I wasn’t sure what to expect since it’s the second to last book in the series. But this one is clearly setting up for one heck of a finally. Both Cain and Noreen were well thought and interesting characters who grew throughout the book and added great detail to the larger overarching storyline. Everything with the Others is heating up and very important things are learned so you do not want to miss this book!!
*I received an arc for an honest review*
It is Cain’s turn to find his mate. Noreen comes over from the dark side. All the players are finally coming together for the final showdown. This book is what is leading up to the last book in this series. A lot happens and find out somethings about a few people’s pasts. When you finally know who Con’s mate is you can see it so clearly on the pages. I may actually feel bad for him but then again maybe not. If you have read this series you will enjoy this book. Con’s book is going to be epic and I can’t wait.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author/NetGalley and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
I enjoyed this well-written, sexy book. Noreen is taking a risk and warning the Dragon Kings about something the Dark Fae are planning but is surprised to find her heart at risk too. Cain’s experience has been that he can’t trust Fae, but when Noreen brings a warning to the Dragon Kings, he is attracted to her and starts to wonder if if she is an exception. The book was full of action and it was hard to put it down. This was an entertaining book and I would read other books by this author as well as recommend the author to others.
Those finding love in this book are Cain and Noreen, but there is also more with the storyline that has been going on for multiple books and series. More about the group The Others, which includes psycho Fae, Usaeil. Ugh I hate that Usaeil is still alive; I will not be happy if she gets some redemption story, pretty please either imprison her or kill her. Also, there’s still the scenario of dancing around what’s wrong with Con and Rhi. There’s quite a few different POVs going on, which is fine, but why are we getting the POV of characters from the Reaper series when this is a Dragon Kings book? Should’ve just had all the connecting series be one, so there wouldn’t be any confusion. Con and Rhi’s story/ies don’t progress much in this book, and even The Others storyline doesn’t much either. We do get some more information about them though, but still a small step. Noreen is a dark Fae that is part of The Others, but has decided she wants out and to help the dragon kings. Cain, a dragon king, ends up connecting with her and trying to keep her safe from The Others. Despite being from different groups, they grow closer romantically. I liked their connection and how that story progresses; there’s a nice twist there. The whole story is entertaining and I really enjoy the world created in this author’s multiple series; love how all the series have connecting characters. I’d recommend reading some of the previous books before this one because there may be some uninteresting or confusing parts if you haven’t. Overall, I’ll be happy when we get closure on the Usaeil storyline, and a conclusion for Con and Rhi. I’m ready for the big battle between them all once and for all.
Even though this is the first book that I have read in the series, it won’t be my last. When dragon king Cain searches for the dark fae Noreen, he isn’t sure if he should trust her or her information. It wouldn’t be the first time that the dragon kings have been betrayed by a female. Noreen is afraid that she won’t be believed by the dragon king. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I really like imaginative fantasy. What I like best about the book were the characters and the twists in the story. My only regret is that I hadn’t read the previous books, but I still enjoyed the book. I definitely will be reading more of this series.
Flame was the 17th Book in the “Dark Kings” series and I was totally glued to my kindle from the very beginning! The storyline was well written and the characters were so well detailed that as each page was turned Cain and Noreen kept me totally captivated until the very last page was turned!
Flame: A Dark Kings Novel
Donna Grant
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/
Release date 06/30/2020
Publisher St Martin’s Paperback
Blurb :
If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other. But that fire was put out long ago. . .
Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?
Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?
My review :
When a Dark Fae sides with the Dragon Kings, where is the truth and who lies …
Before anything, I must say discovering an author’s work with the seventeenth book in a series is probably not the best way to appreciate it.
Why I was given a crash course to pick this and there the many components of the background plot and the many supernatural beings and their ramifications and interactions between them. Because while I have read about shifters or changelings and vampires through Mrs Nalini Singh’s work, they do not interact like any others shifters or vampires as they are usually depicted in other authors world. So here, it is the classic shifters/faes/druids/sorcerers …
At first I was a bit lost, I am thankful that I got from time to time a crash course about the background plot, yet with so many characters, it can be a bit confusing. Still the more I progressed in my reading, the more I was eager to know about the Dragon Kings, and the ending leaves me wondering about Rhi, Con, Henri and Melissa.
This was no short read, thus I finished it late last night. And while it ends with a happily for now for the lead couple, the epilogue leaves many questions yet to answer.
As I have no idea about the other Dragon Kings, i can only talk about the main hero here, Cain.
With such a name, I was not sure what to expect.
Cain is in fact a silent and protective observer. He assists his brethren but keeps quiet his own feelings.
Noreen is so much more than what her appearance as a dark Fae lets transpire, she is the Noreen who wants to save the Dragon Kings but also the one who was on the Others side. She was shaped by her parents’ circumstances death, and from there it influenced her every move.
Together they have an instant recognition, and while I saw some twists and turns coming, it was an entertaining read, and every follower of these series will appreciate the progression of the narrative, coming closer to its resolution.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/647619702493871/?d=n
Noreen and Cain’s book made me cry more than one time…and not just for them. If you’ve read previous books (and why wouldn’t you?) you know that each book touches on other characters, past and future. So we’ll be seeing more from many characters as the Dragon Kings and the Reapers continue to find their mates and true love. I’ll just say that you’ll definitely be wanting more!
5 stars!!
Noreen is a Dark Fae who is really worried about what the “Others” and in particular the woman who has been her mentor have planned for the Dragon kings. If she can get some information to them without being killed on sight, maybe she can stop it.
Cain is the Dragon King sent to investigate what the email is about.
There is a high risk of treachery from all sides. Although death is not necessarily a possible outcome, somethings can be worse. Personal relationships between the different factions make trust the key element. The history between the Dragon kings, Fae and Druids is violent and humans can get caught in between. Because of this history it’s better to read this series in order.
An exciting action packed story.
Flame was a great enemies-to-lovers story! Noreen and Cain were a whirlwind of attraction, and then…BOOM! I don’t know why I never see certain surprises coming! But darned, if I don’t dive right in and consume them like really good cookies!
I want to say Grant has hit the pinnacle of this long running storyline, but you never know with her characters and this is by far one of the juiciest plots I’ve read in a good while! I’ve long been intrigued by the twists her stories take, but holy smokes! Flame actually surpassed my expectations and had so many reveals….I’m still giddy from all the excitement!
I’ll be really good and stop rambling. I’m just one happy reader 🙂
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins Press and this is my honest review.
‘Flame’, the next installment of Donna Grant’s Dark King series, was a overall pretty decent read minus the whole instant love *eyeroll* situation happening. I won’t go too much into the romance aspect of Noreem and Cain relationship but dayum. It was quick and was the only real turn off of this novel. I enjoyed how the author always somehow someway features the previous characters in her most recent releases and how each of them contribute to the storyline which I probably should start reading from the get-go but that’s a story for another day.
Title: Flame
Author: Donna Grant
Genre: Fantasy Romance
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
If you haven’t been reading Grant’s Dragon King Books and Reaper books you should but honestly you can pick this book up and understand the storyline and each characters story. This is an epic story told over many books and a few series. The author just does an amazing job of catching you up and immersing the reader into their world. My first book was like book 6. Once it grips you it doesn’t let you go.
This book was pretty good up until about 60% then it BLEW MY MIND! I cried at the emotions and cheered on my fellow women. And in these uncertain times of our own, to paraphrase Cain, and to truly explain how to get things done and beat our enemy; It is going to take all of us….working together.
Now let’s see if Rhi is going to play ball or if her King is going to finally fight for her.
I just reviewed Flame by Donna Grant. #Flame #NetGalley
https://www.netgalley.com/book/184246/review/440955
Flame (Dark Kings #17) by Donna Grant …First let me say I love this series…This book answers many questions and then gives us more ….. I’m not going to give anything away…but I loved the romance, the action, the mystery, and all the feelings. I can’t wait for book 18!!!
Flame book 17 in the Dark Kings series features Cain, King of the Navy’s and Noreen, a dark Fae. While their story is the main focus of the book, there’s a whole lot of other plot lines that are unraveling throughout the tale. Something miraculous is happening on the Fae realm. Henry, the JusticeBringer, fulfills one of his roles and finds what he has been seeking. We get to see Con finally lose control. He opens up about the loss of his mate! We learn more of the back story on Moreann the Others. Balladyn makes an appearance and transforms into something unexpected. After Rhi’s transformation in Fever, she resurfaces here, surprising and astounding everyone. It was another wild ride in the world of the Dark Kings. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down, but are so sorry when it’s over. I just want more!!!!
This was a phenomenal addition to the Dark Kings series. I love how each book in this series is uniquely its own, yet continues on the larger story. This had romance, intrigue, action and its all set in Scotland….. what more could you want???? This is all building up to a big confrontation that should be quite the memorable event. I can’t wait to see where this goes next, thank you for the opportunity to review this gem!