Torched by Donna Grant

Amazon Link

Torched by Donna Grant is the newest in the Dark Kings series.  Torched centers on the Dragon King of the Silvers, Ulrik, who was stripped of his powers and banished from the rest of his Dragon King brethren long ago.  Reading Torched as a stand-alone is possible, but with the background interactions involving Ulrik throughout the series, I would not recommend it. Ulrik has been evolving throughout the past several books, leading him to a place in Torched where he can take on his enemies, and possibly find a purpose beyond his need for vengeance.

I have long awaited Ulrik's story. I enjoy a protagonist that struggles with their darkness within and needs a good redemption.  Ulrik is one of these characters. Ulrik has been seeking revenge against the Dragon King of Kings Con, even though Con had his reasons for causing Ulrik's centuries of solitude without his magical essence. In Torched Ulrik allows himself to act on his feelings for the Druid Eilish who is responsible for unlocking his magic. In allowing himself to feel something other than hatred Ulrik finds some peace and reassesses what he wants from his future.  The series has shown the bond between Con and Ulrik remained and Ulrik finally admits to himself that it sucks to stay murderously angry with your best friend.

My final assessment is this installment of the Dark Kings series is well worth reading.  I read about the Dragon Kings for its urban fantasy elements and the massive subplots that have been developing as far back as the Dark Sword series with the Dangerous Highlander.  I love interconnecting plot lines, and the overall narrative is continuing to advance toward its apex. I am eager for its conclusion. The characters in the Dark World are a family with deep emotional ties. They care for and keep each other safe.  It is satisfying to see one of their central exiled characters has found a way to become part of that family again. The paranormal romance aspect is just as good as it always is.  Admittedly Ulrik is my type of alpha male, so I had no problems engaging in the passion between Ulrik and Eilish. There were a few moments I felt the lack of an emotional bond between them but came to the decision that could have to do with Ulrik's state of mind.  All opinions are mine and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.