Ignite: A Dark Kings Novel

Ignite by Donna Grant Dark Kings #15 Donna Grant has created a world that makes her readers want to return, find out what is happening next and then they eagerly await the next book in the series. The only series I have read all of, so far, is The Reapers and having read each and every one of those books I KNOW it well. Sure, some of the other worlds/series/groups might have been mentioned and have impacted The Reapers but it was a group that was easy to follow beginning to end. That said...I did NOT read the other books in the overall series (and looking on Goodreads now I see there are perhaps nearly fifty books total in the overlapping worlds/series). So… * Dark Swords Series: I have not read any of the books in this series so have not a clue what they are about. * Dark Warriors Series: None of those either * Druids Glen Series: Again...not one read by me * Dark Kings: now five of the fifteen * Reapers: all of them Now...it seems, after reading what I have read, this “world” is one populated by beings that are very interesting. They have their own myths and histories that sometimes overlap and create opportunities for interaction. A dragon might sleep for centuries then wake, find a mate and then the two will live happily for centuries together. Or, Druids might supposedly be all gone from the earth...or are they? And, there are light and dark Fae/fairies that impact humans and the rest of the universe(s). I have not a clue about the Warriors and Sword group so have no idea how they might (or might not) fit into what is coming AND...something IS coming. There is a fight that is building and who will be involved and what is at stake is still a bit blurry in my mind. I know that there are “The Others” who are in opposition to the dragons and some others but what their goal is and how they will be thwarted is...a mystery. And so, still unsure what has happened before and wanting to know what will come next and hoping that some of the characters I know already (that have not found their mates) will find a HEA...I will gladly read whatever book comes my way to read in hopes it will lead me to a conclusion for the dragons and all the rest. I mean...wouldn’t it be grand if the dragons sent away all return someday? And there I know I have lost you BECAUSE if you have not read any of these books you won’t have a clue what I am talking about because…. This is a series better read from beginning to end (although I have not). This book DID have a short synopsis that I am sure those who have read all books in the series shook their head over and skimmed rapidly and those who have read none of the previous books read and then scratched their heads over wondering what they had missed. And...in the midst of the few mentions of what is happening in this fantasy universe there was a romance. V did meet his mate, Claire, and they had a great romance indeed. They do have a few issues to deal with related to one being a dragon and one being human but otherwise...a great romance to read. I do have a question I hope will be resolved...how will dragons continue if the ones sent away cannot come back or are dead AND if the dragon kings cannot find mates to create progeny for them. Anyway… Did I enjoy this book? Yes Do I want to read more in this series? Yes Do I wish I had read the series from beginning to end? Yes Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Arc – This is my honest review. 4 Stars

IGNITE is the fifteenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal, fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is copper dragon V aka Vlad, and registered nurse Claire. IGNITE should not be read as a stand alone as the current story lines continue to follow an 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. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Silver Dragon Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides but someone or something is determined to push the Dragons back into another war: Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae has set her sights on claiming King Constantine as her mate, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. With the recent introduction of the Fae executioners known as the Reapers, the number of interconnected series continues to expand. Told from several third person perspectives including V and Claire, following numerous intersecting paths IGNITE focuses on the prelude to war. Vlad aka V, the copper dragon struggles with his purpose in the new world. For years, Vlad remained within his mountain, in a deep slumber, to protect those he wanted to destroy. With his magical sword missing, and his memories shattered, V kept to himself until the time came, to once again, search for the sword. Meeting Claire, stirred something deep within our story line hero, something he struggled to accept or need. Falling in love and finding his mate while the Dragon Kings were on the verge of war, found V considering the future, including the future with our story line heroine. With the return of his sword, and the power within, V once again, battles with what he wants, and what he needs to do. Meanwhile, Queen Usaeil is determined to make Con her mate, to rule everyone and everything with the King of Kings by her side but in order to claim the supernatural throne Usaeil must first destroy those who stand in her way. As the Dragon Kings prepare to go to war, they discover that friends and adversaries must merge together in order to take down the evil that approaches. Friends become enemies, enemies become allies in an effort to reinforce for the battles ahead. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples, a few Reapers and their leader Death, as well as another look at the group known as the Others. A surprise awaits Claire and V, an unexpected and unnatural piece of news that adds strife to an already tumultuous situation. Claire is not a strong heroine, in fact, she longs for someone to love and love her back. Searching for ‘The One’ becomes tantamount for Claire, so much so that her search consumes her days and nights. Afraid of forever being alone Claire searches for her happily ever after. IGNITE reveals the ‘blogger’ behind the (Mis)adventures of a Dating Failure, a revelation that was a little disappointing and a bit of a let down- I was hoping for something more prophetic or extraordinary. The premise is revealing and engaging; the romance is fated and passionate; the characters are dynamic and animated. IGNITE begins to prepare the readers for the end of the series-an end that will reunite several series and characters we have grown to love throughout the years.

Action packed, Emotional and Dramatic do not even begin to describe fully this amazing adventure filled with so many heart pounding twists and exciting turns not to mention a steep yet thrilling cliff at the end...